A TACTICAL MANEUVER… IN FORMATION
Something other than a congregation of souls is rising heavenward at the Sarasota National Cemetery. Dubbed Patriot Plaza, a commanding
symbol of salute in the form of a ceremonial amphitheater – the first of its kind – is under
construction.
Design and development of
the $10 million legacy initiative was conceived and fully funded by the
Patterson Foundation, inspired by newspaper heirs, James and Dorothy Patterson,
who have a long history of military service within their family. Their masterpiece will be donated to the
National Cemetery Administration during a dedication scheduled for June 28th
of this year, 2014.
The impressive height of the
structure dominates the expansive burial grounds that are dotted by memorial
stones, occasional committal shelters, and columbaria structures.
A fifty-foot-tall roof was
raised into position by 2 cranes.
Currently, bare bones of the
skeletal framework are being dressed with plates of green glass.
There will be permanent
seating for one thousand people, and additional room for eighteen hundred
more. A bandstand was designed to
accommodate a fifty-five-piece orchestra.
At least ten events a year
are envisioned. Visitors to the
cemetery will be permitted to tour the arena site.
Artwork for Patriot Plaza
will include statues, inspirational quotes, and photos of veterans and their
families. While recognizing individuals who served in the Armed Forces, their
stories will be preserved for future generations. Local and national artists responded to the call for
relevant pieces that would meet standards and preserve memories through
art.
Sentinel Eagles will be at
the entrance to Patriot Plaza to “help create a beautiful, majestic entrance
that is both imposing and intimate.”
“The east entrance to Patriot
Plaza is a transitional space between the cemetery at large and the side of the
ceremonial amphitheater dedicated to themes of family and community that honor
military service.”
“The stage is a focal point
for Patriot Plaza. The 50’ x 3’ mosaic on the front of the stage depicts an
imaginary landscape of Earth, Air, and Water in which all five branches of the
military carry out their work around the world.”
“This is the first time a
private foundation is partnering with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
to work on an enhancement of this complexity at a national cemetery.” They intend to share their partnership
model with communities associated with any of the country's one hundred thirty-one national
cemeteries – if interested in considering similar projects.
With each annual visit to the
Sarasota National Cemetery, the Fly’Bye Lady observes signs of progress. The modern facilities are uplifting,
and there appears to be considerable potential for expansion. So all ye snowbird
veterans hanging out in the Sarasota environs might want to meander over to
Clark Road for a peek at the possibilities.
Quoted segments from: http://patriotplaza.thepattersonfoundation.org/
