The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Memorial honors those who served in Vietnam and their families
Q: I was driving around Roswell over the weekend and noticed signs for “Faces of War Memorial.” With Memorial Day on Monday, I thought it would be good to ask about this. Can you tell me about it?
A: The Roswell Faces of War Memorial is at the cor- ner of Hill and Atlanta Street, on the grounds of City Hall in the municipal park, about a three-minute drive from the restaurants and shops on Canton Street.
Wes McCann, a member of a group called “Roswell Viet- nam War Memorial Commit- tee,” recalls being collectively inspired by other Vietnam memorials around the state — the one along the water- front in Savannah especially.
Four years were spent fundraising. The commit- tee put out a request for designs and the one that “caught our attention and blew us away was what is there now, known as ‘Faces of War,’” McCann said.
The memorial, dedicated to those who served in the Vietnam War and their fami- lies, is 14 feet high and 20 feet wide, highlighted by Georgia marble capstones and old colonial bricks, according to Roswellmemorialday.com.
Created by sculptors Don Haugen and Teena Stern, the bronze metal memorial showcases “fifty faces (that) depict an array of emo- tions, including fear, grief, and courage. They represent American servicemen and women, medical personnel, and Vietnamese civilians,” according the website.
The architect was Zac Hen“You are not forgotten.” derson. A sidewalk leading to the
“One figure in the sculpture monument is framed with is that of a soldier reaching out memorial bricks. At the to clasp the hand of a little girl. base of the memorial is a A sheer waterfall cascades over plaque that reads: “Those the backdrop of faces. View- who serve during the Vieters will be able to see a reflecnam War represented the tion of their own faces and at best traditions of our counthat instant become a part of try. Let this memorial serve the memorial,” according to as a reminder of the love, the group’s website. sacrifice and dedication to
During a recent visit, the duty of those who serve.” water was not flowing, so viewDue to COVID-19, the Rosers are not able to see a reflec- well Memorial Day Ceremony tion. In the bottom left of the will not be held. sculpture is a hand with the fingers raised in a peace symbol.
The area is quiet, surrounded by tall trees with plenty of shade. Benches are placed for sitting and reflecting. Three flags are poised above the sculpture: the state of Georgia flag, the United
States flag and a flag for POWs and MIAs, with the words,