GCKGGX ONE THOUSAND PURPLE HEARTS (Traditional Cache) in Washington, United States created by lahontan

This cache has been archived.

lahontan: I enjoyed placing this cache. I had planned on archiving it in September this year but I can not afford to keep replacing stolen and otherwise missing containers so I will archive it now. I'll pick up the trash later this week. Thanks to the one who stole it for helping to drive geocaching into cheap little plastic containers with buttons, scaps of paper and plastic spider rings.

GCKGGX ▼

A cache by lahontan Message this owner

Hidden : 9/7/2004

Difficulty:

Terrain:

Size: Size: regular (regular)

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Geocache Description:

On September 7, 2004 the number of casualties suffered by U.S. forces in Iraq rose to and quickly exceeded 1000. This is a cache which I hope will be shown respect. This is not a place to post political viewpoints but rather a place to remember those who have given their lives, I believe they are worth remembering. I recognize that not every soldier killed in Iraq has been nor will be awarded the Purple Heart because they are only awarded under specific circumstances. However, for the sake of this memorial cache I have decided to represent each of the one thousand fatalities with a Purple Heart because it is a more poignant symbol of sacrfice than the others I considered. In my mind each life was given bravely whether it was in combat or through an unfortunate accident. I do not desire to diminish what the true recipients of the medal have done but seek only to represent the value of each life lost and to offer this cache as a small tribute to them and to the families that must now move on without their loved ones.

Update: As we roll on through the summer of 2005 the casualty list has surpassed 1,700 and the numbered of injured is quickly rising.

Please completely re-conceal the cache to prevent accidental finds, no need to bushwack or trample plants.

WARNING: Cache page printers!! This page is not friendly to printers. Cut and paste the relevant sections into a text document for your hunt.

If you are interested in history I have included links that discuss the origin of the famous Taps bugle call and the Purple Heart medal.