A Sea of White Crosses

For the two weeks around Memorial Day, the tranquil green grass of Central Park is transformed into a sea of white crosses. Gratitude can be given to the American Legion Post 40 and a collaboration of many other groups and individuals, including Henderson War Memorial, North Middle School, WARM center, David Morris, Richard Morris, and Sunron International.

Nevertheless, as Jim Hanley puts it, “It’s the people of Henderson who really support our Vets.” Jim and Patty Hanley are two of the representatives from the American Legion that have been spearheading this project every year.

“I don’t really have the words to express how I feel inside,” Jim said when asked about what the memorial means to him. “Let me put it this way, I will be sitting up there at the gazebo, looking out at the crosses.  All of a sudden you’ll see an older lady get out of the car with her flowers.  She’ll walk up there, she’ll look here, look there.  Then she finds that cross.  It almost takes your heart out.  It really touches you.  I know it’s not their grave, but for them finding that cross, whether it’s a husband, brother or whoever, who died for our country… how do you put that in words?”

When the first Memorial Day crosses went up in Central Park after World War II, there were around 30 crosses on display.  One of the organizers and founders, Snoz Davis, had helped place those crosses.  Snoz had been one of the fixtures of the event ever since.  His cross now joins the nearly 5,000 crosses that are a part of the memorial today.  At least 80 have been added this year.

Amongst the crosses you’ll find Husband Kimmel, Commander in chief of the United States Fleet during the bombing of Pearl Harbor.  Recently a statue of Husband Kimmel was erected at Henderson’s Riverfront.

The crosses can represent different meanings and ideals for people.  For some, it is an opportunity to reflect on the loss of a loved one.  For others, it is to reflect on a patriotic community.  For many, it is a beautiful and serene memorial.

There is no right or wrong way to feel, and certainly that speaks to the heart of the crosses—freedom.

To find more about the Memorial Day tribute, make a donation, or volunteer, contact American Foreign League Post 40.  To find out more information about the names on the crosses visit hendersonwarmemorial.org.