approval at the state level and the gov- ernor’s signature to allow for a trail easement. The 12-foot-wide concrete trail will extend an additional 2,900 feet along the James River and provide access to Lake Springfield’s east shore line which is currently not accessible to the public. This addition is expected by the end of the year.


Gateways and memorials The gateways at each end of the


trail create a “sense of place” which will perhaps change the way people view, honor, and interpret this very special ground. The four gateway stones are Phenix stone which is a hardened lime- stone from a local quarry. They are 350 million years old and weigh 36,000 pounds each. These blocks of the gate- way are placed to represent authority and the lasting impact of our military servicemen and women. Each large stone block is flanked by four smaller stones in the foreground, representing our military personnel as guards to our freedom, protection, and security— always standing at the ready. Within these smaller stones are both smooth and rough surfaces representing the ongoing contrast of times of conflict and times of peace.


An additional trail feature is the placement of five “bump outs” for stone benches representing each of the five military branches. Each bench has a color insignia and motto of the branch engraved in the stone. Volunteers from the local chapter of the Missouri Community Forester Council donated time and material for landscaping behind each of these features.


continued on page 24


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