This war memorial stands in the front plaza of the Hillsborough County Courthouse at Pierce Street and Madison Street, a solid rectangular structure about ten to twelve feet tall with plaques honoring service members from World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and those engaged in future conflicts. Each face carries a pair of bronze panels, and the inscriptions move from specific battles like Belleau Wood, Meuse‑Argonne, Normandy, Guadalcanal, and the Bulge to broader reflections on freedom, justice, and equality. The memorial sits opposite the Hydria installation, whose tall cistern‑columns frame the courthouse entrance and give the plaza a distinctive civic feel.
I visited in the late afternoon into early evening, after the courthouse had closed for the day, which made it easy to walk the plaza without the usual weekday flow of people heading in and out of the building. The quiet made the inscriptions easier to take in, and the setting felt more contemplative than it probably does during business hours. Metered street parking is available along the surrounding blocks, making it simple to stop for a short visit.
[Review 133 of 2026 - 2244 in Florida - 25323 overall] read more