Arlington West (All photos by Elise Thompson)
-
- Photo by Elise Thompson
Every Sunday, rain or shine, Veterans for Peace erect memorial crosses and displays in the shadow of the Santa Monica pier as the sun rises. At sunset they take down the entire display, known as Arlington West, only to set it all back up the following week. Each red cross represents 10 lost military personnel each. Families and those who served with fallen soldiers add their own photos and flowers, turning the display into a heartfelt memorial. Arlington West’s purpose is to remember the fallen and wounded, and to provide a place to grieve as well as to educate the public about the needs of those returning from war.
Veterans for Peace have a mission to make the public aware of the true causes of war and the enormous cost, “with an obligation to heal the wounds of wars.” The worldwide organization educates the public, provides services that assist veterans and victims of war, “and most significantly, work[s] to end all wars.”
There is also a display at Stearns Wharf in Santa Barbara, California.
