Veterans Memorial Park

Although I do not miss the hot summers of Arizona--Arizonians are spoiled for the other eight months of the year. Salt Lake City is hit or miss when it comes to warm weather. Yesterday, I fired up the debate for "revenge of the Winter." Seriously...hail, snow, rain--and thats all at once?

Lately, its been all indoor activities. I am thinking about taking the kids to the West Valley Family Fitness Center--to go rock climbing. When the weather allows--I like to take the kids to the park. Amongst our most favorite parks is the Veterans Memorial Park in West Jordan, Utah.

A big draw for kids is the park's Wild West Jordan Playground, the largest playground in Utah. The innovative play structure was built by 6,000 community volunteers over a ten-day period. The playground covers two-thirds of an acre and contains over 12,000 square feet of play surface. The fully-fenced playground is divided into a tot lot area for two to five year olds and a larger area for five to 12 year olds. The crowning feature is a superstructure which contains 23 stair levels and a two-story curly slide. ( http://gocitykids.parentsconnect.com)

In addition to the huge "Wild West" playground, there is a monument attributed to the US Armed Forces. In my opinion--this monument is the star attraction, but I am not going argue with my kids. I don't mind them running around burning up all their energies--returning home completely exhausted!

Veterans Memorial Park holds special significance for me. My father is a retired US Army Recruiter; having joined the Army right out of high school. I remember a decorative piece in our home that said "Home is where the Army sends us." Growing up as a military "dependent" was quite the journey. I had gotten used to restarting life every two years.

As I watch my children play, there is a solemn sorrow for the many who have been negatively affected by war. I appreciate and admire the young men and women who volunteer to defend this nation. At this moment, I am saddened by the thought of a child's mother or father not coming home. It is a bitter-sweet occasion when hearing about a casket returning home. There is a humble admiration for soldiers who have given the ultimate sacrifice.

My gratitude is best expressed in the words of Abraham Lincoln:

...from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion -- that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain -- that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom -- and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.



Veterans Memorial Park
1985 West 7800 South
West Jordan, Utah 84084