OUR MONUMENT: A Shrine Dedicated to Working Class Heroes, by Derek J. Just
In no uncertain terms, a visit to the Vietnam War Memorial produces a lasting, powerful, and inspirational experience. The Vietnam War Memorial is a proper and deserving monument dedicated to the heroism and sacrifice of the American soldier. One wonders why there can’t also be a monument devoted to the bravery and achievements of ordinary Americans off of the battlefield. It is this question that inspired award winning sculptor and artist Brent Guggisberg to envision a monument dedicated to working class Americans who have accomplished the extraordinary. As John Lennon said, “A working class hero is something to be.”
Our Monument, as titled by Guggisberg, will be a shrine featuring 12 honored appointees in its first year of existence. Every subsequent year a new name will take the place of a previous one so that every dozen years Our Monument will contain a completely new list of heroes. The monuments inductees will be voted into enshrinement democratically via the Our Monument website. To ensure no hero goes unnoticed, nominations for the prospective inductees can be submitted by anyone. Ultimately it will be up to fellow Americans to decide who ends up inaugurated into the monument.
The monument's design will be a revolutionary one; drawing upon many universally recognized images and elements. Upon entering the monument the visitors will be standing in the space between two 10 ft. black marble waves as if treading through the terra firma based solace provided by the parting of the Red Sea. Each of the two waves will feature six sheeted waterfalls where the names of the honored Americans will be brilliantly illuminated by a laser system. As the visitor emerges from the waves, they will walk under and into the main structure. It is here where they will find themselves between two solid sheets of water. The pathway before them will then lead to the center of a hollowed spherical structure where the ultimate experience awaits. While approaching a circular column of liquid, a sensor automatically opens the column and allows the individual to experience the spiritual sensation of being surrounded by an illuminated column of water.
Guggisberg believes his unique and avant-garde design will provide the visitor with an atmosphere which makes the concept of heroism as tangible as possible. Our Monument will be a place of awe inspiring beauty and solace worthy of the American heroes it honors as well as the visitors who come to honor them. It is Guggisberg’s ultimate hope that after one visits Our Monument, he or she will gain a deeper appreciation and understanding of heroism, freedom, and joy.