Q: Our recent Memorial Day observances reminded me that a few years ago a group attempted to erect a monument on the UGA campus honoring those students who died in World War II. As I remember, someone opposed it based on international students who might be offended. Did the monument get placed?
—Gene Wade, Loganville
A: The memorial garden, which is near the Zell B. Miller Learning Center (MLC) and ROTC building on UGA's campus, was dedicated on April 13, 2005.
The garden, which was built to honor all “members of the university community who have given their lives in service,” features eight rectangular granite blocks and trees surrounded by a ground-level granite band.
The inscription on the band reads: “Their Names Shall Live For Evermore. In Grateful Remembrance of University Faculty, Staff, Students & Alumni Who have Fallen in the Defense of Democracy & their Country.”
Even though those who died in wars and conflicts since 1785 – when UGA was founded — are included in the virtual “Book of Remembrance” in the MLC, the memorial’s website (servicememorial.libs.uga.edu) states it is “apolitical, going beyond issues of whether any particular war was good or bad.”
Other honorees include public servants, “such as ambassadors, Peace Corps volunteers, United Nations peacekeepers and intelligence officers.”
The garden, which originally was proposed by UGA public and international affairs professor Loch Johnson, is a favorite place for students to rest and study between classes.
Andy Johnston with Fast Copy News Service wrote this column. Do you have a question? We’ll try to get the answer. Call 404-222-2002 or email q&a@ajc.com (include name, phone and city).
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