SHELLY BRADBURY
LOCATION: Endicott College, Beverly, MA
SITE: Main Campus
COMMISSION: To create a space that honors the five branches of the military
and first responders.
DESIGN SOLUTION: Designed a space that was interactive and where visitors could participate with the materials and words.
CHALLENGE: The budget and limited timeframe to install design.
MATERIALS: Granite: Bethel White, Woodbury Gray,
and American Black.
SIZE: 28' W x 30' L
SUB CONTRACTORS: Lauren Beshera- Technical Drawings,
Rock of Ages- Quarried, Cut, and Engineered each Stone, D&M- Grading, Meridian- Site Planing, Anthony Montoni Construction- Installed and set all granite, and Lucia Lighting.
UNVEILING SPEECH:
This project has been a true collaboration:
Beginning with the ROTC Students at Endicott College, and then the men and women that I met in the various branches of the military as well as police officers, fire fighters and EMTs. I did a lot of research, and had the opportunity to go for a “Ride Along” with the fire department in Cambridge - where I rode in the fire trucks and squad vehicles, shadowing them on every call. What I observed from these men and women as they worked in various conditions was an inner focus and a sense of calm that grounded them to deal with any situation that they encountered. The solid foundation of many hours of training and hard experience made them invaluable in helping people. This involvement opened my eyes and gave me a small glimpse into what every service person faces daily. With each personal experience, my awareness expanded as they shared their stories, told me why they do what they do, and why its not a job to them. There were some that suffered from PTSD and were finding their way back to a sense of normalcy and healing. I am very grateful to all of YOU who shared your experiences and helped me to walk in your shoes, if only for a moment.
In my readings, I came upon this quote from Jonathan Burkett who said:
“You know my name, but not my story
You’ve heard what I’ve done, but not what I’ve been through.
If you were in my shoes, you’d fall the first step.”
This quote led me in the direction of the design that you now see today. In creating this space, I want students and visitors to participate in the work, to move through it and to sit and contemplate what is before them. I envisioned the white square blocks to be the varied steps that each of these individuals take each day, and the challenges and risks that are inherent to the work that they do. Notice that they are solid, weighted, yet precise and accurate. There is no set pattern or order to them because each day is different. The size of each block is 2 feet by 2 feet wide ranging from 1 foot to 4 feet high. Some of the granite steps are easy to walk around, but there are some that are very difficult to attempt. These gaps between these steps have great risks, and can be the step between life and death for these individuals. There are only 8 blocks of granite that are 4 feet high that stand for the 8 insignias represented here- four on each half of the circle. You will notice that there are 39 words that have been sandblasted into the white granite, randomly placed on various blocks. These words were first compiled by the ROTC and then by other individuals in service. These final WORDS that were chosen, best described the character, value system, and principals of the various branches depicted. When Words and Actions are used together, it becomes Powerful and Absolute.
As one walks down the main path to the center of the design, there are 50 stars that are highly polished- representing each of the States. The compass rose points out to all directions and is oriented to North, South, East, and West- providing guidance and navigation for all those who serve. The various insignias are placed in between the compass points completing the circle. When seen at night, there will be a LED blue light that will illuminate the outer circle and highlight the 8 seals. A Reminder to think of them and the difficulties they face
when we are safe and asleep at night.
I chose three different types of granite – American Black, Bethel White and Woodbury Gray. All the granite comes from the United States and is quarried in Vermont and Pennsylvania. There are 84 blocks of Bethel White, however the total number of stones including the foundation is 146. The largest stone weighs over 4000 pounds and has the word PROTECTOR on it. As this Commemorative Space is located on a college campus, my hope is for the students to engage and learn from this work. To have thoughtful discussions with their friends and to remember those that have served and continue to serve for our country and protect us in the United States. For the faculty to have classes out here and to use it as a teaching tool. And for the greater community in the surrounding neighborhoods to come and visit and find peace and rest in this beautiful landscape.
Most Importantly, the Pedestal located at the beginning of the entrance says:
HONOR, RECOGNITION and APPRECTIATION FOR ALL THOSE WHO SERVE.
THANK YOU for all that you do.
