Solivagant USA

I’m into my fourth day of exploring Charleston, WVA. I extended my stay to the end of the week because the folks at the State Archives are wonderful. I can also walk the town to explore its history, food, and music. And after 35 days, my butt is tired of sitting on a train, or driving a vehicle. Today I paused to look at the statues and monuments on the Capitol grounds designed to remind us of the roster of names on the inside walls. I’m here looking for Revolutionary War patriots, so I often wonder how many of those who served know whether their super great grandparents did likewise decades ago.

I’d heard that when this memorial was completed a decade or so ago women and men expressed concern that no female statue was used to represent service in the modern wars. In response one was erected, in fatigues, several feet off of the Korea War section. Some women objected, stating that she should have been dressed in a skirt uniform. I saw her immediately, as she was the only statue with a flag waving in this morning’s breeze. Depending on the path one takes to this memorial, I can see why some would think she is an afterthought, which I guess she was.

I Reflected on P. Joseph Mullen’s design and sculpture art and think it captures the compassion, smarts, integrity, and patriotism of women who have chosen, since the first wars on any continent at any century to fight for what is dear to them.

I do wish that Earl Ray Tomblin, Governor in 2011, didn’t feel the need to have his name and title centered under West Virginia’s Female Veteran and above the statement, artist name, and board who pushed the work to finish. But we women simply roll our eyes, and chuckle. We’re holding the flag.

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