On the corner of Rogers Clark Boulevard (Highway VA-207) and Devils 3 Jump Road (Highway VA-676) is a flagpole in the middle of a beautiful little memorial garden. The memorial, which is on Caroline High School’s property, is based on the big marker in front of the school that reads:
You are now crossing the 38th Parallel
What Is The 38th Parallel?
There is an imaginary line around the earth called the equator that divides the planet in half. The 38th parallel is a measurement of the imaginary line of latitude 38 degrees north of the Earth’s equator.
The 38th parallel is almost as famous as the equator. When World War II ended, North Korea and South Korea were divided along an imaginary line separating the communist north and the anti-communist south. So put quite simply, the 38th parallel marks the border between North Korea and South Korea.
On the other side of the world across the Pacific Ocean the 38th Parallel divides Korea, but on this side of the world it runs right through the front property of Caroline High School in Milford, Virginia.
38th Parallel Memorial Garden
I visited the very peaceful 38th Parallel memorial garden on a sunny day and was quite moved. There was a very pretty plaque which reads:
“This memorial garden is dedicated to all verterans of the Korean War 1950-1953.
With this plaque and garden we salute, honor and laud, now and in years to come, the heroic men and women who served and sacrificed for our country, and for liberty and democracy, around the world.
Dedicated by the Caroline Middle School 2012-2013 History Club, as a reminder to future students to respect and remember the past.”
At the base of the flagpole, the ground is covered by poured stones with many of them imprinted with remembrances of those who fought in the Korean War.
There were many types of blooming flowers around the garden in the simple yet beautiful landscaping.
There is also a sign that shows the outline of North and South Korea with the 38th Parallel separating the two. It reads:
All gave some
Some gave all.
Virginia is rich with history and there are markers all around the state identifying different memorable events. I thoroughly enjoyed my trip through beautiful country farms, lush green trees, blooming flowers, fields of crops and a gorgeous blue sky with puffy white clouds and tons of bright sunshine.
wonderful child, aren’t ya glad you are not hearing me say this—child
LOL Very funny Mom. LOL
The young fellow who made that discovery of the 38th Parallel was a member of St. John Baptist Church on River Rd. named Cory?.
Not only was he a member but so was the middle school principal. The pastor, Rev. Berryman supported the garden with a commemorative brick in his name as a Korean War Veteran.
Just adding to your story since I was looking up something about the 38th parallel.
<3 Thank you for sharing! And Kudos go out to that bright bunch of young people! 🙂
You’re welcome! I’m so glad that the youth have taken the time to do something in remembrance of the past. 🙂
I was sent a link to this blog post by a friend who had come across it. I am the sponsor of the Caroline Middle School History Club and one of the crazy teachers who encouraged our kids to build this garden! Thank you so much for visiting and posting this wonderful article about our little garden! Your pictures are absolutely gorgeous! Thank you for helping to spread the word about the garden and our on going project to pay honor to not only our Korean War veterans, but to all of America’s veterans!
Thank you Sara! I’m so glad you found my blog. I really enjoyed my trip to the memorial. It was both touching and beautiful. I plan on coming back to visit again this summer! 🙂
The blooming flower is the national flower of South Korea. Rose of Sharon.
Thanks!