Memorials to Veterans in Second Life

One can find just about anything in Second Life. And that includes tributes to those who died in defense of their country. Almost two years ago, Second Life Newser took a look at some of the memorials on the Grid. Sadly since then, some have faded away. This includes the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. But there are also some additions.

 Although known more for it's Relay for Life events, Southern Colorado has a small veterans memorial.

" 'My Angel, his name is Freedom - Choose him to be your king. He shall cut pathways east and west, and fend you with his wing.' - Ralph Waldo Emerson

"Dedicated to all those who have given life or limb in the service of the Angel named Freedom."

The Southern Colorado is at Southern Colorado, (129, 41, 25)

Patriot Island is home to a community of veterans in Second Life. It's also home to a replica of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Patriot Island (165, 125, 28)

In the Thynk sim, there is "The Path of Freedom" memorial, "The Path to Freedom memorial was made in honor of all who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces and the millions that have been affected through the many wars that this country has had to face."

The memorial mentions well-known wars in American history, as well as the Indian Wars, the Cold War, and conflicts and operations in recent history (pictured just above), some well known, some which have become smaller historical footnotes.

"The Path of Freedom" is in Thynk (174, 35, 23)

 In the Arena sim, the Operation Enduring Freedom Memorial, a tribute to the soldiers who fell in Afghanistan. The wife of a veteran got the help of Jade Opel and Jester Knox in building the memorial. The name on the stone and the picture changes every few moments.

"My husband is in the Army and was stationed there for a year in 2005, and left Jan 24, 2007.  His first deployment, fortunately they only lost one soldier from their unit, but many others have died.  This is my way of honoring those that gave their lives for this country."

 "And as of 27 May 2012 there have been 4222 visitors,  I reset it by accident, I am actually amazed at that number and I am sorry I have not kept the memorial up to date, however RL has taken priority and it's toll on me, so I hope you will forgive me.  I haven't forgotten about any fallen hero, I have just been delayed.

"If you are also interested you may donate to the following places.Armed Forces Relief Trust (www.afrtrust.org).  The people help the families that have lost loved ones in Iraq and Afghanistan. Operation Family Fund (http://www.oeffamilyfund.org)  They help provide help to the families and also to help build a memorial on the lost soldiers behalf."

The memorial is in Arena, (70, 95, 46)

For those looking for a British memorial, there's one in the London area, the Tower Hill Memorial in Knightbridge.

"The Tower Hill Memorial is a replica of the real life Tower Hill Memorial, which is located in London. The Tower Hill Memorial commemorates military personnel from WW1. The memorial also includes a replica of the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior."

The Tower Hill Memorial is in Knightbridge (95, 230, 21)

No doubt there are other memorials, so by all means don't stop looking, and honoring.

Bixyl Shuftan

SL8B and a Tour of London

The highly anticipated Second Life 8th birthday party became accessible to curious residents on June 20th. Days before the official opening, the birthday group was already buzzing with preparations and concerns.

Whatever perspective we teleported to, we were greeted with a fair-like setting, complete with unique builds. Some so large, one had to adjust the camera controls skyward. To explore this cooperative effort would clearly take days of weaving in and out of the twenty plus sims. A major obstacle that took patience to deal with was the lag, but for many, it was worth it. It was the perfect opportunity to be entertained by popular Second Life musicians and to speak to various designers, educators, and Second Life magazine and television representatives.

To meet anyone in Second Life, you merely go up to them and say hello or do it through a group message. That's how I met Debs Regent, of London England, Hyde Park, Mayfair and Kensington in Second Life. The London Sims are owned and operated by Regent’s Virtually-Linked.

Regent and I were standing in the Bell Tower surrounded by clock faces.

"I thought one of these rooms would be most appropriate as it represents the magic we offer, which is the inspiration for others. Many versions of London have been created because of the original one. Both are in Second Life and other platforms," she stated in response to the best photo opportunity.

Regents added that many people started their Second Life lives in the London sim. The creators pride themselves on being a "safe place" for its residents and visitors. Media events, educational conferences, shopping and exhibitions are all popular and are based around London themes.

"We hold events and create high quality events and builds for clients such as The Daily Telegraph, DGMT, and Premier Nunez/Coldwell Banker," she said. "More recently we have worked for a real record label to produce a machinima video for a major single.”

Our conversation continues in Kensington. A teleport invitation leads to a very impressive representation. Both of us have to step up on the curb so the tour bus can pass. As the bus tells us to "visit the magnificent St. Mary Abbot Church, Regent explains that we are standing outside of Wholefoods and a line of other quality created stores.

Our next stop is Kensington Square. There are 61 rentals. I found one to be $1,725 a week for 117 prims. My new tour guide is Sim and Infrastructure manager, Rob Fenwitch. He leads me through the rental.

"All the houses are in Kensington Square," he states. "There are three loft apartments around the corner, but this is the main residential area. You get the best houses in London. It's quiet here and the Sim builds are of the highest quality."

He explained that all of the homes have Hippo security and a radio included. The doors and security are integrated with the rental system so the tenant has full control of them. They also offer a retexturing service for the walls. There are two rooms and a balcony in the model I viewed.

"There is a pub at the end of the square, which is a facsimile of the real pub," he said. "At the moment there are three live DJ sessions per week also available for chilling out."

The Kensington Arcade building is the next stop of the tour. Fenwich states that this building and the area surrounding it tend to be the busiest. Most of the builds were created by TD Reinard. This one took three to four months to build. There are three floors of conference rooms. The office suite I saw cost $499 in tier and allowed 30 prims. The building is headquarters for the Daily Mail Transport and a number of magazines.

"In the Kensington building we do fashion shows and occasionally a wedding. The parcel is 6896 sm. It has a roof garden, too,” he said.

Fenwich feels this is the most realistic representation of modern day London. You will enjoy visiting the many structures, but watch out for the busy tour bus traveling around town.

By Netera Landar