El Reno, Oklahoma: Heroes Plaza and Burial Mural

The Plaza is one of those heartfelt memorials to veterans which one finds throughout small town America. It takes up the narrow side of a city block. When you visit, try to do it during a quiet time, and try to park in the lot adjacent to the Plaza on the north side. The entire wall facing this parking lot is one mural depicting a burial in Arlington. Walk along all three sides or you will miss some of the details, like the horse with reversed boots.

Then walk through the arched gate. The front of the wall is made of memorial bricks and one amazing bas relief depicting service men and women from all our major wars starting with the Civil War. The Native American on the piece is in honor of the Code Talkers and the many who fought in the Civil War. The plaza also contains free-standing monuments dedicated to each of America's wars and conflicts, starting with World War I.

The names of locals lost during each are inscribed. Perhaps the saddest are the monuments to current conflicts where you wonder how many names will be added before it is done.