One of the quieter spots at Brookside Gardens in Wheaton, Maryland is the Reflection Terrace. Dedicated in 2004, it commemorates the lives of the victims of the DC area sniper attacks in the fall of 2002.

The memorial is located at the edge of the pond in the Japanese Style Gude Garden. In the spring, a flowering haigan cherry tree and daffodils surround the memorial.

(c) 2008 Patty Hankins

In the summer, it is surrounded by greenery.

(c) 2008 Patty Hankins

The terrace has three large granite blocks with information for visitors to the memorial. The first provides a bit of history about the attacks.

(c) 2008 Patty Hankins

The second encourages visitors to reflect on what happened and hope for a more peaceful less violent world.

(c) 2008 Patty Hankins

And the third lists those who lost their lives to the snipers.

(c) 2008 Patty Hankins

Next time you’re at Brookside Gardens, be sure to stop by the Reflection Terrace. It’s well worth taking the time to visit.