In the hustle and bustle of a city ever-changing, Memorial Wall is sacred ground.
Since its unveiling in 1951 at the east end of Memorial Stadium on what later became the Seattle Center campus, the landmark has displayed the etched names of 762 Seattle graduates who lost their lives in World War II.
Victor Abbott — Chief Petty Officer in the U.S. Navy, missing in action in the Philippines.
David Brenner — U.S. Army Air Force, killed over Germany in May of 1944. He was a lower ball gunner on a B-17.
Merton Goldberg — Aviation cadet. Killed piloting a trainer in an accident in Arizona.
Memorial Wall is buttressed now, walled off and protected during the demolition and construction of the new Memorial Stadium. When the renovation project is finished next year, it will be provided the honor and solemnity that is its due. Gratitude to city planners, Seattle Public Schools, volunteers and One Roof Sports & Entertainment for making sure to do that.
But what of the sentiment called out in the stone?
Marianne Hanson, born and raised in Seattle to Swedish immigrant parents, was a senior at Garfield High School when her design was selected as the winner out of 61 entries for the wall.
She wrote the inscription that remains to this day: “YOUTH HOLD HIGH YOUR TORCH OF TRUTH, JUSTICE AND TOLERANCE, LEST THEIR SACRIFICE BE FORGOTTEN.”
That is the responsibility of Memorial Day. It is more than putting out a flag and expressing love of country. It is about understanding the nature of sacrifice.
It is about what a citizen is expected to give up in service of truth, justice and tolerance. It is about holding high our collective ideals.
Are these things a matter of perspective? Can one American have a definition of truth, justice and tolerance that runs counter to another’s?
Or is there some fundamental value expressed on this Memorial Wall inscription, above the names of so many young people?
Next year, when construction is finished, Memorial Wall will include fountains and benches and space to allow visitors and passersby to take in the enormity of it all.
Hanson, who died in 2015, left words that challenge as much as they inspire.
She called out to future generations, and despite all the distractions and contemporary anxieties, young people ought to appreciate what is being asked of them: Truth, justice and tolerance.
If the generation coming now into adulthood keeps these ideals in their hearts, they will honor those who gave the last full measure of devotion and they will build a stronger nation.
