©San Bernardino County and Tom Householder

In honor of the victims of December 2, 2015, we immortalize their memory collectively to state that courage combats terrorism. A senseless terrorist act cut short the life of fourteen innocent people who worked to make others lives better. Their memory is enmeshed in a laser cut steel Curtain, whose hexagonal patterning evokes the construction of bullet proof vests and symbolizes the community’s strength. Each loss is remembered with an integrated art panel with commemorative imagery embedded. Akin to a prism, the glass panels refract and absorb light daily, offering an eternal sparkle, and at night emitting a glowing aura. The curtain undulates and stretches between the existing palm trees along the east and west axis of the garden and building visually connecting the San Bernardino Mountain range to the east and the “Esperanza” sculpture by Donald Davis to the west adjacent to the building entry. The curtain gives new meaning to the sculpture which means “hope”. Each alcove is emboldened a sculptural bench with brass inset text to mark the family name of the loved one. The alcove’s undulating patterned walls create shady niches on each side of the curtain, offering a place for momentary reflection, celebration and remembrance. offering a place for momentary reflection, celebration and remembrance.