There have been many battles for independence in the history of the United States. Thousands of people made incredible efforts to resist the blows of fate and preserve the national borders of their state. There is a tradition to honor their memory on Remembrance Day. On it, New Yorkers visit monuments and memorials dedicated to the exploits of the military and ordinary people, victims of terrorist attacks and human ambition. Which of them can be visited and what is known about them? Read more about this on new-york-yes.
1. Sculpture of General George Washington
A monument to the former President and General of the US Army, George Washington, is placed near Continental Army Plaza. He represents a strong and courageous commander in difficult times and is shown in a raincoat and with a hat on his head. His army was in Valley Forge. Despite heavy losses and long battles, he managed to win.
The sculptor of this military object is Henry Shrady. Since 1906, his bronze sculpture of George Washington has guarded the Williamsburg Bridge and commemorates the strength and courage of Americans.
2. Angel of Death
This is one of the most mysterious sculptures in New York. It is dedicated to the 2,800 New Yorkers from Brooklyn who died during the Battle of Brooklyn and Long Island for American Independence. Then, there were fierce battles between the army of George Washington and the British troops.
The image of the memorial depicts a mournful angel leading a soldier to the afterlife. The soldier has a weapon in his hands and a bandage on his head, which symbolizes his tragic fate.
This sculpture was called Angel of Death. It was installed in Prospect Park in Brooklyn in 1921. Behind it, there is a stone boulder depicting a confrontation. It reminds us that the Americans were able to block the path of the British army and protect their territories from capture.
35,000 Brooklynites took part in the opening ceremony of this memorial. Among them were Civil War veterans, priests and ordinary citizens relatives of whom had died in battles against the British. Since then, everyone may come here every year to honor the memory of the tragic events of the past.
3. Memorial to Maryland Soldiers
Soldiers of the Maryland-400 unit blocked the path of British General Cornwallis’ troops and fought with them giving George Washington’s army time to retreat. It was possible to cope with this task due to great effort. More than 250 soldiers did not return from the battlefield. Some of them were buried on Third Avenue near the western part of Washington Park in New York. In 1895, a memorial was created there in honor of the fallen soldiers of Maryland. It is located on the territory of Lookout Hill.
This monument of military history consists of a granite column covered with marble. The quote of General George Washington is carved on its base:
‘Good God, what brave fellows I must this day lose!’.
4. Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Arch
There are 2 triumphal arches in New York. One of them is devoted to military history. It is located in the Brooklyn area near Prospect Park. The initiator of its construction was the mayor of Brooklyn, Seth Low. He decided to create it in honor of the American victory in the Civil War.
After the project was approved, it was decided that the arch would separate the noisy part of the city from the quiet and green avenues of Prospect Park. Interestingly, it was not just an architectural monument. Inside there were stairs that led to the exhibition hall, located in the middle of the arch, and up to the observation deck. However, they have remained closed for the last dozen years.
In addition, the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Arch is considered one of the most beautiful monuments in the city. Its original design attracts the attention of passers-by and represents the great men of the past. Among them are men on horses — former American President Abraham Lincoln and General Ulysses Grant.
The arch is decorated with sculptures of warrior women from above. Lady Columbia rules two horses. It symbolizes the independence of the USA. There are two women on both sides representing the Victory. Each of them leads a horse. They depict the Army and Navy. The two sculptures were installed a few years after the completion of the arch on its sides.
5. Riverdale Monument
One of the oldest military monuments in New York is located in the Riverdale area. It is the bell tower. It is dedicated to local soldiers who died during the battles for the Bronx during World War I. The monument is made of limestone and field stone. It represents the simplicity and resilience of the brave New Yorkers who fought for the independence of the United States.
Few people know that the bell located in the monument was cast for use in a Mexican monastery. During the Mexican War, General Winfield Scott took it as a trophy and brought it to New York.
6. Merchant Marine Memorial
During World War II, merchant seamen provided military aid to the American army by delivering all the necessary supplies and certain goods. This helped the military not to retreat and continue to repulse the enemy.
They often had to risk their lives for the sake of joint victory. After another attack on an American ship, many of them died. Historians claim that the Nazis took a photo of this event. Later, the Americans received it. They decided to honor the memory of sea traders by placing a monument in their honor on the embankment in Battery Park. This monument is an example of a photograph taken by German soldiers.
7. Brooklyn War Memorial
This is the only monument in New York dedicated to all victims of World War II. More than 300,000 Brooklyn residents were among them. A memorial was installed at Cadman Plaza on 12 November 1951. This huge structure is made of granite and limestone. It impresses visitors with its grandeur and power. Along with it, events are held annually for war veterans and everyone who wants to honor the memory of the dead.
8. Postcards (Memorial to the Staten Island victims of terrorist attacks)
The work of the famous New York architect Masayuki Sono became famous all over the world. This happened after the tragedy of September 11, 2001 in New York. There was destruction of skyscrapers after the activities of terrorists. More than 200 residents of the city were injured. In 2004, a monument in the form of 2 airplane wings was installed in their honor. The names and dates of birth of those who died as a result of terrorist attacks are indicated on them.
9. National September 11 Memorial
One more monument was created in honor of the Americans who died due to the terrorist attacks. It is located on the site of the World Trade Center towers, which were destroyed in 2001. Construction began in 2006 and ended 10 years later. This is one of the largest objects of military history in the city. It consists of 2 pools where the water flows down. New Yorkers call such an architectural design ‘tears of sorrow’ for those who died. Memorial boards with their names and dates of birth are installed near the pools.
10. Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Memorial Monument
There is a monument with Corinthian columns on the banks of the Hudson River in New York’s Riverside Park. Two cannons from the time of the Civil War were installed near it.
The monument is dedicated to the soldiers and sailors who died fighting for the independence of the United States. There is a room inside the monument where one can honor their memory.