The Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza, located in downtown Phoenix, stands as a solemn and significant tribute to the rich history, courageous individuals, and remarkable events that have shaped the state of Arizona. This expansive outdoor memorial named after the former Arizona governor, Wesley Bolin, serves as a place of remembrance and reflection. This memorial certainly makes you reflect on all of those who have sacrificed to keep Arizona and the USA safe.
This is Darrell and Erin on Travel with D& E. Let’s take a look at the Wesley Bowlin Memorial.
What is the Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza?
The Wesley Bolin Plaza is an urban park and gathering place in front of the Arizona State Capitol Complex in downtown Phoenix, Arizona. The plaza was established on March 9, 1978, by the Arizona Legislature. It was named in honor of Governor Wesley Bolin, who had died five days earlier.
The plaza, similar to the National Mall, is intended as an open-air public space with monuments, memorials, and gardens. Interestingly, some of these monuments were established before the plaza itself, such as the monument to USS Arizona.
Arizona’s Law Enforcement Memorial
Father Kino Memorial
Throughout the plaza, you will find numerous monuments, statues, and plaques. There are gardens, paths, and benches for enjoying the outdoors. Among the many sites, you’ll find the anchor, signal mast, and 14 and 16-inch guns from the USS Arizona and Missouri. The USS Arizona was sunk in the World War II attack by the Japanese at Pearl Harbor.
USS Arizona Battleship Memorial
There are various memorials, including World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, Operation Desert Storm, and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, Arizona’s war heroes who received the Congressional Medal of Honor, and our silent warriors in the submarine fleet, and lastly, the merchant marines.
Enduring Freedom Memorial
Desert Storm Memorial
Other notable monuments include the Navajo Code Talkers, which pays tribute to the service given by the members of the Navajo tribe during World War II, a Gold Star Family Memorial, and a very striking 9-11 Memorial. There’s also a memorial to the Arizona Purple Heart recipients, law enforcement, and their canine partners, Arizona Pioneer Women, Arizona Firefighters and Emergency Response, and even Granite Mountain Interagency Hotshot Crews, among many others.
Navajo Code Talkers Memorial
It’s a site of over 40 memorials honoring prominent figures, wars, and events in Arizona history. The Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza is open to visitors year-round. It’s easily accessible with ample parking and public transportation options nearby.
Arizona State Capital and Governmental Building Complex
What to Expect at the Plaza?
The plaza’s operating hours are from dawn to dusk, ensuring that visitors have ample time to explore and reflect. Note the plaza is a gathering place for downtown Phoenix. At times there may be some groups having events occurring in or around the plaza, especially during holidays like Veterans Day or Memorial Day. In fact, while we were there, an individual was recording an Native American song while playing the drums.
Where is the Plaza Located?
The Wesley Bolin Memorial Park is located downtown just east of the State Capitol complex at 1700 West Washington Street at the corner of 17th Avenue. The Wesley Bolin Memorial Park is a poignant reminder of Arizona’s rich history and the sacrifices made by its people. The Plaza does an excellent job of memorializing soldiers, lawmen, women, leaders, and other figures who have made that sacrifice for you. It makes you appreciate your life and freedom just a little bit more. Go visit the Wesley Bolin Memorial Park.
Conclusion
If you like this content, you will want to check out our other posts covering Phoenix and its surrounding attractions, like Dobbin’s Lookout, along with numerous other attractions across Arizona including destination hubs of Page, Flagstaff, Cottonwood/Sedona, and Tucson. Attractions include the Tombstone Boothill Cemetery, the Verde Canyon Railroad in Clarkdale, the Copper Queen Mine Tour in Bisbee, Jerome’s Sliding Jail, and the Upper Antelope Canyon Tour in Page, among many others.
Also, check out all our videos in our Arizona Travels playlist covering the many fun and historical attractions we have on our Travel With D & E YouTube channel. Do us a favor and subscribe, that way you get to know when we put a new video out. Like that video? Please share this link with your family and friends. They will enjoy it as well.
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