Seal of the United States and other seals representing each of the branches of the US mili- tary. Intertwined ivy wraps around the border of the tapestry, symbolizing the faithfulness of all the members of the US armed forces. Amid a field located beneath the tree stands a group of white crosses, forever shaded by the strength of the mighty tree. These crosses represent those mem- bers of the US armed forces who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
There are other bits of symbolism and works of art in War Memorial Chapel designed to honor members of the US armed forces. On the kneelers, there are replicas of needle- point coverings created by Englishwomen as thank-you presents for America’s help during World War II. Along the west wall are bookcases, above which are fifteen carved shields emblazoned with the designs of many of the US armed forces’ service ribbons.
u Located above the altar, this sculpture of Christ is constructed from forms that remind one of the implements of war. The brass halo around Christ’s head is reminiscent of cannon shells, while the aluminum spikes within the halo have been said to resemble barbed wire. Emerging from the halo are copper rays, which are reminiscent of bayonets.
Chapel of Honor
highest military decorations, including the Medal of Honor; in the border, at the bottom of Sacrifice for Freedom, words from the Bible are found, specifically from the book of Matthew: “He that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.”
Along the south wall, above the altar, is a sculpture of Christ by Steven Sykes that is made using forms drawn from the implements of war. The halo around Christ’s head is made up of torn sheets of brass, which are reminiscent of brass cannon shells. Aluminum spikes within the halo are cast to resemble barbed wire, and the copper rays emerging from the halo suggest the look of bayonets. The chapel contains many other
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reminders of the sacrifices made by the men and women of the US armed forces. A sturdy oak rail, a gift from the US Marine Corps, runs along the chapel’s perimeter. Placed there in 1965, the rail was intended to com- memorate the 20th anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima. At the base of each arch over the chapel’s stained glass windows, stone carvings of the heads of uniformed servicemen and women stand watch over the chapel. A large needlepoint tapestry hangs along the east wall of the chapel. Many symbols appear within this intricate tapestry. The central image is that of the Tree of Life standing on deep roots. In the tree’s limbs and branches are the seals of each of the fifty states and the District of Colum- bia. The tree is encircled by the Great
But for all of the art, beauty, and symbolism the chapel holds, it is the books in the finely carved bookcases that should receive much of visitors’ attention. These books repre- sent the National Roll of Honor and contain the names of men and women who are serving or
have served in the US armed forces. Any member of the US armed forces— past or present—can be enrolled in the National Roll of Honor, and currently, the National Roll of Honor contains the names of more than 75,000 individuals.
Without these brave men and women and other men and women like them throughout history, the stories of sacrifice portrayed in the Freedom windows wouldn’t exist; without these self-sacrificing men and women, the symbolism one finds all around War Memorial Chapel would mean noth- ing. They are the reason this chapel exists in the form in which it does. For their efforts to keep the United States free, these men and women deserve thanks and recognition. All of our freedoms, we owe to them. ■
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PHOTO: FOTOSEARCH
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