photos:minnesota:2001-06-24 st paul:page1
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The first interesting thing I saw when approaching the city was this big statue of Leif Erikson. Impressive. The dome on the Minnesota Capital building is sticking up in the back.
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This inscription was on the back side:
"Leif Erikson
Discoverer of America
1000 AD
Erected through popular subscription
Sponsored by the
Minnesota Leif Erikson Monument Association Inc.
Presented to the
State of Minnesota during
Its territorial centennial
October 9, 1949"
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The Capital of Minnesota.
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This is looking south from the same spot. That is another government building.
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Downtown St. Paul.
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There are a lot of war memorials around the Capital. Here's the Korean War one...
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The ribbon around the gun says "Thank you!" on it. Around the perimeter, the stone tablets list those Minnesotans who died in the war.
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This sign was on a replica of the Liberty Bell near the Capital:
"DEDICATED TO YOU, A FREE CITIZEN IN A FREE LAND
This reproduction of the Liberty Bell was presented to the people of
Minnesota
By direction of
The Honorable John W. Snyder
Secretary of the Treasury
As the inspirational symbol of the
United States Savings Bonds Independence Drive
From May 15 to July 4, 1950, it was displayed in
Every part of this state.
The dimensions and tone are identical
With those of the original Liberty Bell when it
Rang out our independence in 1776.
In standing before this symbol, you have the
Opportunity to dedicate yourself,
As did our Founding Fathers, to the principles
Of the individual freedom for where our nation stands.
* * * * *
This bell is one of fifty-three cast in France in 1950,
and given to the United States Government by:
[bunch of company names]"
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The Capital again from further away.
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This is the Vietnam memorial.
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This book is next to the monument. You can reach in a slit at the bottom and turn the pages. Some stupid people wrote junk all over it.
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"PEACE OFFICERS MEMORIAL
On May 16, 1882, St. Paul Police Officer Daniel O'Connell was killed in the line of duty. He was the first officer in Minnesota who sacrificed his life while serving the citizens of this state. We honor all those who have made this same sacrifice throughout our state as they carried out their duties to make our lives better and safer. We honor all of our peace officers who serve our communities with great pride and dedication. This memorial is designed to pay tribute to all of our peace officers, past and present, but especially to those who gave their lives for us. Their courage and their sacrifice has not been forgotten.
Minnesota's first monument for law enforcement was built and dedicated at the Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport in 1977. Today it is a part of this design, inlaid in the granite: Here that monument finds its final home.
The paved sections of this memorial design represent the cities and the urban areas of our state, while the landscaped sections represent the rural and natural areas.
The blue line, which illuminates brightly at night, represents the 'thin blue line,' terminology often used when making reference to peace officers. Peace officers must walk that thin blue line daily as they protect democracy from anarchy, the lawful from the lawless, and order from chaos. Peace officers must walk that line to protect us from the worst impulses of society. This design is a tribute to the thin blue line of protection provided to us by our peace officers.
It is only fitting to recognize the valor and courage of those peace officers who sacrificed their lives defending our society so that we might live in a more secure environment. This memorial ensures that their sacrifice will never be forgotten and that they did not die in vain."
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So, there are painted Charlie Browns all around St. Paul. I didn't realize maps were available before setting out, so I just wandered around for awhile. Guess what building this one is in front of?...
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Surprise, surprise. The river is here too. This is looking southeast. There are lots of barges tied along the banks down there.
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South.
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Southwest.
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It looks like the rail bridge can open to let boats through. Spiffy.
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These guys have several Charlies...
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"Mr. Soapy"
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"L'artist"
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Snoopy's dog house. Cute. Unfortunately, it closes early on Sunday.
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"It's a big world, Charlie Brown"
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His Palm says:
"Online Order
Flowers for Little Red-Haired Girl"
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The next one is in front of this place...
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"River Captain Charlie"
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