|
The University of Georgia has dedicated a new memorial garden
to remember students, faculty, staff and alumni who died in service
to their country and democracy. The garden and a Book of Remembrance,
which were funded by private donations, are located near the
corner of Baldwin Street and Sanford Drive.
“The memorial is apolitical, going beyond issues of
whether any particular war was good or bad,” said Loch
Johnson, Memorial Garden committee chairperson and political
science professor. “It is a tribute to those who lost
lives: to the men, and women if we should have any in the future,
who answered when called and who died in the line of duty.” An
inscription in the memorial garden reads: “Their names
shall live for evermore. In grateful remembrance of University
of Georgia students, faculty, staff and alumni who have fallen
in defense of democracy and their country.”
The design elements for the Memorial Garden encourage reflection,
a sense of quiet and respect. The garden includes a granite
circle as a symbol of wholeness and continuity upon which the
inscription is chiseled. The garden also includes a small wooded
area to evoke a sense of calm and renewal. Behind the wooded
area will be a low wall where visitors can sit. Granite pavers
and granite benches in front of the woods signify strength
and endurance.
In addition to the garden, the site includes an electronic
Book of Remembrance in the adjacent Student Learning Center.
The book will include the names of honorees who died in combat
or training and will also include the names of those who died
in public service. The Book of Remembrance will be displayed
with names of honorees listed alphabetically since 1785, along
with class year and the year of final sacrifice.
The approximately 300 names of honorees, who have served from
the Indian Wars (1830s–1850s) until the present day,
have been gathered by volunteers. The names in the Book of
Remembrance can be sorted by last name, by war or other service,
or class year. A special history and acknowledgements section
is also included. To get to the book, visitors will pass through
the Memorial Garden on a pathway that leads to the Student
Learning Center.
“I thought this was an important thing for UGA to do,” said
Johnson. “It’s hard to die for your country, but
even worse is to die and be forgotten. We hope UGA’s
Memorial Garden will help ensure that does not happen.”
Competing
in a Global Economy
The University of Georgia is at the forefront of the globalization
movement in higher education with a wealth of opportunities for
international experiences. Our students are flocking to study-abroad
programs, thriving on the challenges inherent in confronting a
new cultural environment. More and more, students on campus are
also making choices that reflect an understanding of the importance
of global awareness—from living in a residence hall-based
language community to starting a radio program in another language
to minoring in a foreign language. These experiences, whether at
home or abroad, influence how our students perceive the world and
their place in it. We’re producing graduates prepared to
be world citizens—well informed, culturally sensitive and
technologically sophisticated. They’re ready to take on the
challenges of our global society, and they’ll be equally
at home whether in the Peach State or the Republic of Georgia. |
