At sunset on Memorial Day, a rainstorm began to take shape when I took this pano of the Pittsburg State University Veteran’s Memorial. The setting sun caused these crazy dramatic rays to cut through the clouds and across the sky. The sound of the wind blowing through the display of the 50 state flags that are featured on the north berm of the memorial made the entire experience breathtaking.

Designed by architectural firm of Schaefer Johnson Cox Frey and Associates of Wichita the Pittsburg State University Veteran’s Memorial honors those who have served this country through military service.

The Vietnam Memorial Wall as can seen in the back is a one-half sized replica of the permanent memorial wall in Washington D.C. There is also an entry-rampart featuring U.S., state and university flags and the five seals of the uniformed military branches (not featured in this image) and an arch just behind the reflecting pool with an eternal flame.

The eternal flame appeared to be somewhat intermittent, at least to me, because at times it would disappear only to return about five minutes later. Perhaps it was on some sort of timer but I’m not sure. Just below the flame the engraved inscription reads: “Pittsburg State University honors our sons and daughters who answered the call of the nation. We are ever grateful for their many sacrifices in peace and war that freedom would prevail.”