Veterans Memorial Garden, Sapulpa, Oklahoma

Memorial is located in the southeast part of South Heights Cemetery. The memorial is like a church with ten metal benches on either side of a central aisle. A gray granite slab is located at the north end of the aisle on a white brick wall. Two flags, an American flag, and a POW/MIA flag fly above gray granite slab. The bottom of the gray granite slab has this inscription:: “Old Glory I am the star spangled banner Conceived in 1777 out of the love America bore for liberty and honor. I am the memorial of countless heroes who Shed their blood to preserve this Sacred heritage. I have inspired generations of gallant men Who fought against tyranny. I am the spirit of Valley Forge Of sacrifice...of courage. I have guarded every rampart where freedom Defended its glorious cause Ttipoli...Belleau Wood...Argonne Forest Omaha Beach...Anzio...Bastogne Guadalcanal...Coral Sea Leyte Gulf...Iwo Jima...Korea Vietnam. I fly wherever Americans gave their lives to Preserve the sanctity of life. My home is in the hearts of all who feel a Thrill of pride when they salute me And what I symbolize - God, country, freedom, valor On the white brick are three bronze shields: Disabled American Veterans and Auxiliary Shield American Legion and Auxiliary Shield Veterans of Foreign Wars and Auxiliary Shield Located in front of the white brick wall is a bronze Battle Cross. A rifle with a pair of combat boots and a helmet atop of it. Its purpose is to show honor and respect for the fallen at the battle site. The practice started during the American Civil War, or maybe earlier, as a means of identifying the bodies on the battleground before they were removed. Behind the Battle Cross is a granite horizontal slab which is engraved with: "Pause you who pass by this memorial crypt and remember the sacrifice of life and of treasure that members of this community gave to our beloved nation. Herein are placed for eternity, mementos so that succeeding generations of Americans may forever remember the love and devotion we hold for old glory and all it stands for."