This is a “virtual” geocache and there is no container to find. Instead, read the text below to learn about this area, read the logging requirements given at the bottom of the page, find the answers at the given waypoints, and then submit your answers per the instructions to claim the find.
PLEASE NOTE: There are multiple waypoints attached to this virtual geocache, including two parking waypoints. The Peace Cross and the memorials at Stage Two stand at a very busy intersection. You MUST park at the given coordinates to access the answers needed.
Welcome to Cache Across Maryland 2024. This is one of ten caches placed for the 2024 Cache Across Maryland. Each location was picked specifically to give geocachers a taste of the state and show you its beauty. By combining all ten, you'll be able to see why Maryland is truly "America in Miniature". We hope you enjoy them! You must find a minimum of ten caches prior to the picnic held on Saturday, May 11, 2024 in order to receive a free Maryland Geocaching Society CAM geocoin.
Make note of the code word found inside each cache container (or, in the case of this virtual, the code word you received by entering in the correct answer via the check below). You must enter all the words into an online decoder in order to print a claim form to print and submit to receive your geocoin at the picnic, as well as your CAM certificate. More info on CAM is available HERE.
🎖️ The Peace Cross was erected 1919 to 1925 as a monument to Prince George's County residents who died serving in the United States Armed Forces in World War I.
According to the Maryland Historic Trust, "The monument is constructed of cast concrete with exposed aggregate selected for its color and distribution. The body is a tan color comprised of chipped flint material aggregate, embellished with inlaid decorative accents of chipped deep pink granite. A wide, centrally placed band of the pink granite runs along north and south sides of the cross. The east and west sides have a narrow inlay of pink granite aggregate outlining the shape of the cross, located a few inches from the perimeter of the structure. The arms of the cross extend five feet from the center on each side and are supported by unadorned, arched concrete brackets; the arms also have arched brackets on top, suggesting the from of a Celtic cross. Contrasting gold, red, green, and blue aggregates were used to form medallions on the crossings. The two medallions display a gold star within a green laurel wreath that is set on a blue background. ‘U.S.’ is written in the center of the star with a dark red aggregate."
Lest you think you’re suddenly working on an EarthCache, the minerals of the Peace Cross are relevant because the monument is also “architecturally significant as an example of the work of John J. Earley (1881-1945), a Washington, DC area artist and contractor who innovated a process involving decorative use of concrete aggregates. Beginning in 1916, Earley developed and refined the medium of 'concrete mosaic' or expose aggregate which transformed the construction trade by allowing for factory fabrication of precast polychrome concrete building panels.”
At the base of the Peace Cross is a bronze tablet etched with the 49 service members who lost their lives during the war. Below their names is a quote from President Woodrow Wilson which reads, "The right is more precious than peace. We shall fight for the things we have always carried nearest our hearts. To such a task we dedicate our lives."
🎖️ This is also the site of the Battle of Bladensburg, where American forces fought valiantly against an invading British force during the War of 1812. Some of the interpretive signage at Stage One will explain more.
🎖️ And finally, Stage Two brings visitors to a much less grandiose, but just as hallowed grove of memorials to other American conflicts and tragedies.
—
TO CLAIM YOUR FIND
Message the cache owner with the answer to Requirement "A" and include a photo (Requirement "B") with your log.
Requirement A: Near the Stage One waypoint, find the trio cast in bronze. What three words are above their heads?
Requirement B: Include with your posted log a photo of yourself or a personal item with any of the memorials encountered here today, but DO NOT include anything that shows the answer to any of these requirements. We will delete any logs with a picture that shows an answer. (Possible personal items, for instance, could be a trackable or a piece of paper with your geocaching name.)
PLEASE NOTE: There are multiple waypoints attached to this virtual geocache, including two parking waypoints. The Peace Cross and the memorials at Stage Two stand at a very busy intersection. You MUST park at the given coordinates to access the answers needed. At no point should you cross a road on foot.
CACHE ACROSS MARYLAND CODE WORD
To get the code word needed to complete the 2024 Cache Across Maryland (CAM) passport, use the Certitude checker link below. Combine the answers for Requirements “C” and “D” into one word. For instance, if the answer to Requirement "C" is “red” and the answer to Requirement "D" is “glare”, the word you would enter into Certitude is “redglare”.
Requirement C: There are four large words on each side of the Peace Cross, at the bottom of the monument. At the Stage One waypoint, with your back to the bronze trio you found for Requirement "A", on the side of the Peace Cross that faces you, what is the word that you see?
Requirement D: At Stage Two, on the memorial for veterans of the wars in Korea and Vietnam, what’s between duty and country?
You can validate your puzzle solution with
certitude.
Virtual Rewards 4.0 - 2024-2025
This Virtual Cache is part of a limited release of Virtuals created between January 17, 2024 and January 17, 2025. Only 4,000 cache owners were given the opportunity to hide a Virtual Cache. Learn more about Virtual Rewards 4.0 on the Geocaching Blog.