LIGHTS OUT
Another Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row Exclusive
One thing that concerns me as summer begins, is the darkness at downtown Bethesda's Veterans Park. As previously lit in the past, the fountain memorial to Bethesda soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice was visually impressive, and animated the park as a public space after dark.
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| July 2010 |
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| June 2012 |
After all, Veterans Park is not just a place to hang out or eat lunch; at its heart, it is a memorial.
Out of sight, out of mind, as they say. If the memorial is hidden in the darkness of night, how is it reminding visitors of those sacrifices? You're free to hang out there and enjoy life, because someone else gave theirs so you could.
I also wonder if the flag is adequately lighted at night, as well. Technically, an American flag flown at night should be properly illuminated.
Is the unlit fountain a cost-saving measure? Is the lighting malfunctioning, and in need of repair? Given the unwise spending increases - and massive tax increases - approved by the Montgomery County Council, it would be hard to justify a cut in the lighting of a veterans memorial. And a troubling statement about misplaced priorities.
It's time to turn the lights back on at Veterans Park.
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