The memorial is seen by tens of thousands of commuters and others who drive along Highway 24 and take Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) through Lafayette, a largely bedroom community nestled between Berkeley and Walnut Creek, California.

The memorial features thousands of white wooden crosses, some Stars of David, Islamic Crescents, and a few rainbow crosses - many of which have been adorned with U.S. flags, flower wreaths, Himalayan prayer flags, red ribbons, and names and photos of the dead.

The crosses are accompanied by a sign reading, “In Memory of #### U.S. Troops Killed in Iraq.” The actual number is updated as every death is reported. As of May 6, 2007 the number was 3,361. On May 7, 2007 another local man’s name was added to the tally.

Property owner Louise Clark said “They gave their lives for us. I feel they need a memorial.”

“We've been accused of being political, but the sign isn't political,” said memorial leader Jeff Heaton, 53, a general contractor and a lifelong resident of Lafayette. “It's a statement of fact.” “What we're trying to do is remind people there are lives being lost, families being devastated,” Heaton said, referring to the Bush administration's restrictions on images of dead U.S. soldiers and their coffins. Heaton said it’s primarily a solemn salute to U.S. servicemen and women. He said he hopes passers-by see it as honoring those who have died, regardless of their view on the war.

“Some are very strongly opposed, others favor it,” City Councilman Don Tatzin said. “It has put some people on edge, particularly those who have sons or other loved ones in the military. They view these crosses as a sign of disrespect and not as a sign of respect, and it’s also a reminder of what might happen to their loved ones.”