Iraq memorial erected in true California style

Headed to the beach this weekend? Expect to find more than just sand, surf and sun. Situated along the edge of the Santa Monica Pier lies a sea of white crosses spread almost as far as the eye can see. The crosses are part of a makeshift memorial honoring soldiers killed in Iraq since March 2003. War memorials are rare, espciailly on the West Coast. Though Arlington West is not an official homage, visitors from all around the world come here to pay their respects to fallen heroes.

Arlington West: war memorial or political protest

Not everyone agrees on the purpose of the Arlington West display. While many visitors view the sight as a powerful reminder of fallen war heroes, others see it as a political statement against the war in Iraq. Regardless of its intention, the tribute demonstrates that the conflict in Iraq is not just confined to a country overseas, but also includes a battle of deep-seated opinions that plays out even on the serene ocean-lined beaches of California.

Running out of room - what's a memorial to do?

As the number of American casualties in Iraq continues to increase, so too are the wooden white crosses along Santa Monica beach. What started as a small display, the Arlington West memorial is now beginning to overtake an increasing large amount of space. It has been five years since American forces entered Iraq. Now organizers are starting to worry about what will happen first - the end of the war or the elimination of space for the display.