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 corner 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 Vietnam War Memorial Committee,” recalls collectively being inspired by other Vietnam memorials around the state. The one along the waterfront in Savannah especially.
Four years were spent fundraising. The committee 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 families, 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 emotions, including fear, grief, and courage. They represent American servicemen and women, medical personnel, and Vietnamese civilians,” according the website.
The architect was ‘Zac’ Henderson.
“One figure in the sculpture is that of a soldier reaching out to clasp the hand of a little girl. A sheer waterfall cascades over the backdrop of faces. Viewers will be able to see a reflection of their own faces and at that instant become a part of the memorial,” according to the group’s website.
During a recent visit, the water was not flowing and not able to see the reflection.
In the bottom left of the 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 strategically placed to sit and reflect. 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 “You are not forgotten.”
A brick sidewalk leading to the monument is framed with memorial bricks.
At the base of the memorial is a plaque that reads: “Those who serve during the Vietnam War represented the best traditions of our country. Let this memorial serve as a reminder of the love, sacrifice and dedication to duty of those who serve.”
Due to COVID-19, the Roswell Memorial Day Ceremony will not be held.
Address: 617 Atlanta Street, Roswell, 30075.
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