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 We have now lost nearly 2,000 young men and women in Iraq, and a moment of reflection to thank those heroic folks and their families for their sacrifices seems appropriate. To all of my Marine buddies out there, and to the Soldiers, Airmen, and Sailors, know that you are in our hearts and prayers.
Walking or driving through cemeteries, as it is one of my hobbies, I see a variety of memorials that carry a patriotic theme. Some honor our heroes lost in battle, and others honor our men and women who are patriots with strong sense of pride for our beloved country.
Hystone’s Wavy Flag Memorial
The Hystone Company recently provided me with a portrait of a three-piece monument with a wavy flag. I like this design, as it breaks from the mold of the over-used serpentine top. The base has a ___________ design and that is, in itself, unique. Even more unique is the granite piece that fits between the base and the tablet, or dies, as we call it in the industry. I suppose it could be called a decorative sub base; however, it is so beautifully crafted that the simplicity of the term seems to not fit.
Flag-Draped Monument
Another design that I like is the flag draped over the top of the granite. I have a special feeling any time I see our flag, and I hope you do as well. Nothing could be more fitting than to drape the flag over a monument, using a combination of etching and lithochrome to color the granite.
 The Band of Brothers Walter L. Hendrix Memorial
One of my favorite patriotic-themed memorials honors Walter L. Hendrix, a descendant of Cherokee heritage, according to his memorial. The Hendrix Memorial is located in the Old Elberton Cemetery in Elberton, Georgia.
Mr. Hendrix proudly served our country during multiple famous, deadly, and heroic campaigns during World War II. One side of his memorial identifies the campaigns. The memorial has an eagle perched on top of an American flag on the same side.
The other side of the memorial identifies Hendrix as a member of the “Band of Brothers,” the proud E Company, 506th Regiment, 101st Airborne who fought “from Normandy to Hitler’s Eagle’s Nest”. An etching of Hendrix as he looked in uniform during World War II is on the front of the memorial.
 I hope you agree with me that Hendrix’s Memorial evokes a sense of awe and pride for the courageous achievement of this gallant soldier. The etched combat medals should be a great source of pride to the Hendrix family. This is memorialization that honors a life committed to serving others and the sacrifice given unselfishly on behalf of our country.
To simplify, the Hendrix Memorial uses a base and a sub base. I have written before that I like the use of a sub base in memorialization since it gives height to the memorial. The base and sub base use balance rock pitch sides with steeled tops for the base and sub base. The die is made from polished black galaxy granite on the front and back, with balance rock pitch top and sides. The memorial blends well together with the combination of colors and with the use of balanced rock pitch on the sides of the base, sub base, and tablet (die).
 The base has a unique design with a squared end on one end and a curved end on the other. Even more unique is the granite sub base that fits between the base and the tablet, or die, as we call it in the industry. I suppose it could be called a decorative sub base; however, it is so beautifully crafted that the simplicity of the term seems to not fit.
Personally, I would have liked to know even more about the actions of Mr. Hendrix, but one cannot pass his memorial without reflection on events more than 60 years ago.
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