Who the Memorial Commemorates
The 1-24 Memorial is designed to
commemorate the twenty-two fallen men of the 1-24 Marines. The
Memorial provides a gathering place for the souls of the
departed and the Marines, families and community left behind to
honor their brave service and memory.
The Table Tradition
Inspiration for the Memorial was derived
from the historic table tradition of setting an empty table in
the mess hall for fellow servicemen and women who made the
ultimate sacrifice for their country. The tradition informed
the design of the commemorative cast bronze table and benches of
the Memorial. These elements of the Memorial symbolize unity
and camaraderie among the souls of the departed. Set at the
table are twenty-two individual engraved plaques. Each plaque
serves as a place setting for a fallen Marine. Each plaque is
an integral part of the larger Memorial and, therefore,
signifies the brotherhood and bonds shared among the souls of
the departed and living who gather around the table. An empty
plate is set at the head of the table, acknowledging the
possibility of future losses. The front face of the table
serves as a plaque that conveys who the Memorial is for and
displays the insignias of the Marine Corps and the 1-24
Battalion. The commemorative table, benches and plaques are at
human scale so they can be touched and felt by adults and
children. Water flows between the plaques, over the front
elevation of the table and into a small pool below.
The Memorial Complex
The
commemorative table described is a part of a larger Memorial
Complex, illustrated below. The courtyard is defined by masonry
walls with openings that afford views into the Memorial from the
outside while retaining a sense of privacy from within. The
courtyard is landscaped with gardens and a large grassy lawn.
The lawn affords a ceremonial gathering space for Memorial Day
services and other commemorative events. The commemorative
table is raised above the main level of the courtyard. The
steps to the table can serve as a place to rest or leave behind
flowers or mementos. The sound of water running over the
commemorative table reinforces that the Memorial Complex is a
hallowed place set apart for the memory of the twenty-two fallen
men.
