Robert L. Cook Veterans Memorial Plaza at Rose Park

Robert L. Cook Veterans Memorial Plaza at Rose Park. . , United States Marine Corps , Founded November 10, 1775 , "Semper Fidelis" , "Always Faithful" , "The Marines have landed and have the situation well in hand." , Richard Harding Davis, "Words are not enough to truly express the gratitude we owe the men and women who have fought for our freedom. Without their honor, courage and commitment, the very core values by which we live. Many of the liberties we take for granted, would not be possible." , Rear Admiral John W. Townes III, USN, This memorial is dedicated to the men and women who serve their nation in the armed forces, in peacetime and in war, and those who will do so in the future. , Dedicated November 11, 2001 by Kalamazoo Rotary and The City of Kalamazoo, This We'll Defend , Revolutionary War - War of 18 12 - American-Mexican War Civil War - Indian Wars Spanish-American War China Relief Expedition Philippine Insurrection Mexican Expedition World War I - World War II Korean War - Vietnam War Cold War - Persian Gulf War, and those yet to be fought., "To be prepared for war is the most effective means of preserving peace." , George Washington, United States Army , Founded June 14, 1775, The soldier above all other people, prays for peace, for he must suffer and bear the deepest wounds and scars of war, but always in our ears ring the ominous words of Plato, the wisest of all philosophers: Only the dead have seen the end of war. , General Douglas Macarther, "I wish to have no connection with any ship that does not sail fast for I intend to go in harm's way." , John Paul Jones, "Let the journey begin", United States Navy , Founded October 13, 1775 , "Any man who may be asked in this century what he did to make his life worth while... can respond with a good deal of pride and satisfaction, , 'I served in the United States Navy" , President John F. Kennedy, Unites States Coast Guard Founded 1790 , Semler Paratus, Off we go into the wild blue yonder, climbing high into the sun: here they come zooming to meet our thunder, At 'em boys, give 'er the gun!..., Hey! Nothing'll stop the U.S. Air Force!, United States Air Force , Founded Sept. 18 1947 , "Aim High", "The future of our nation is indissolubly bound up in the development of air power." , General Billy Mitchell, Our flag's unfurled to every breeze From dawn to setting sun; We have fought in every clime and place Where we could take a gun; In the snow of far-off Northern lands And in sunny tropic scenes; You will find us always on the job The United States Marines. , Marines' Hymn Verse 2