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Remembrance Day Vigil

In many parts of the world, the holiday originally called “Armistice Day”, which we know as Veterans Day, is called “Remembrance Day”—a day to remember the sacrifices of those who have died in war.

In remembrance of those who have died, and in honor of those who have served and who continue to serve in harm’s way, on this field are 3,858 crosses and markers, one for each U.S. serviceman and -woman who has died in the war in Iraq. Along the side are signs listing all 3,858 names of the fallen. As you take time to visit this vigil, and to read the names, let their memory be a blessing, and may the remembrance of their sacrifice hasten the day when “nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.” (Isaiah 2:4)

Pictures from the Vigil

The portion of the quad where the vigil would be set up.

Placing the crosses and markers, raking the leaves so that they would be easier to see.

Forty rows of nearly 97 crosses a piece would be required.

The sign describing the vigil placed at the corner near a frequented path (the text is the text above)

When seen from the south, with the light of the sun, the effect is magnified.

The vigil would cross over the path, to create the effect of walking amidst the graves of a memorial cemetery, such as Arlington.

Around the perimeter of the vigil were seven signs, each with over 500 names of the servicemen and -women who have died in Iraq, along with their ages, ranks, and dates of death.

A close up view. Over 250 sticks were left without a cross piece to represent the number of people of other faiths who have died.

A view from the south edge of the vigil. The visual effect suggests a battlefield cemetery, such as the one at Normandy.

One of the seven signs detailing the names of the fallen.

A second sign describing the vigil, placed at the southwest corner of the memorial.

A third sign at the northeast corner.

Pictures from Making the Crosses

Nearly six thousand craft sticks were used in preparing the crosses and markers. Four thousand for the upright section, and two thousand that would be cut in two for the cross-pieces.

Students cutting the nearly 2000 sticks needed for the cross-pieces.

Gluing the cross-pieces to the uprights.

Despite the large amount, the work was accomplished in three hours and fifteen minutes.

The sign that would be placed outside by the vigil.

The sign and the many boxes of crosses await being placed on the quad.