This is not a review as much as it is a remembrance and memorial to one of the most powerful icons ever invented by the U. S. Government. Back around 1997 or so, my wife and I were driving on a vacation through a small town in New Mexico called Capitan, near Lincoln National Forest. We had no idea just how close we were to a famous memorial grave. It was Sunday, and the sign said, Smokey Bear Historical Park. There was no one around, and the park was closed. Yet, based upon what we could see in the windows and in the postings, it was obvious this park was a memorial to the original Smokey Bear, the cub who was rescued from the Capitan Gap fire of 1950 by soldiers from Fort Bliss, Texas. The cub had been horribly burned and its paws and hind legs were charred. After being nursed back to health by a Game and Fish ranger, and transported to Washington, D.C., the cub became the living national symbol for the Smokey Bear campaign against wildfires. Smokey became so famous during his 26 year stay at the Washington Zoo, the U. S. Postal Service assigned him his own Zip Code. I noticed a peaceful, very nicely kept garden out back of the building, but had to jump a fence to see it (I know, that's trespassing, but we were not going to be coming back that way for a very long time, and I'm always respectful of government property). I walked around and reverently enjoyed the garden for a while until I noticed the large rock with a plaque mounted on it in the back corner of the lot. It was the monument and final resting place of the original Smokey Bear, whose body had been transported from Washington, D.C. in 1976. I read the plaque, and a tear formed in my eye. Here were the remains of one of the most famous icons of my childhood. It was a simple, powerful, peaceful admonishment to children and adults alike to be careful with your campfires. Smokey was the symbol of environmental stewardship to millions of young children of my generation. Yet, so few folks even know he is buried in this little garden in New Mexico. I left with a rekindled appreciation for the story of Smokey, and someday, I'd like to return for another visit.
If you get a moment, please look up Smokey Bear on the web and share it with your children. His wonderful story still exists. And, if you happen to drive through Capitan, New Mexico, take a moment to visit Smokey Bear Historical Park and the grave of one of the most famous icons in American history. It will be a moment long remembered.
If you get a moment, please look up Smokey Bear on the web and share it with your children. His wonderful story still exists. And, if you happen to drive through Capitan, New Mexico, take a moment to visit Smokey Bear Historical Park and the grave of one of the most famous icons in American history. It will be a moment long remembered.
