Lake Deborah Plaque

Hidden in plain sight, the Lake Deborah Plaque holds a secret. It whispers stories of wartime service and dedication, a tribute to the unsung heroes of World War II. The Lake Deborah Plaque isn’t just a piece of metal; it’s a living testament to the 1,869 District of Columbia government employees who answered the call of duty. Imagine tax collectors, traffic aides, and police officers trading their civilian roles for military uniforms. The plaque honors these brave men and women who served in all branches of the military. The Lake Deborah Plaque even recognizes the contributions of the WAVES, the Navy’s Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service program. Dedicated on October 22, 1942, the plaque originally read, “Those who are serving our country in World War II in the Armed Forces of the United States.” Names were continuously added throughout and after the war. In 1959, the plaque’s header was updated to reflect the past service, changing “are serving” to “served.” The plaque’s journey wasn’t without its challenges. During renovations in the late 1990s, the plaque suffered damage and was forgotten in a closet. It was rediscovered in 2010 and sent to the DC Archives. The Lake Deborah Plaque recently returned to the Wilson Building. The search for information surrounding the plaque involved meticulous research. Using full-text searches of historical newspapers, researchers unearthed articles detailing the plaque’s installation. The minutes of meetings held by the District Commissioners provided additional details, like the plaque’s cost, manufacturer (Pittsburgh Plate Glass), and composition (Carrara glass). Amazingly, just last week, tiny fragments of the Lake Deborah Plaque were discovered. These fragments, when re-inserted, added three names back to the roll of honor. Three individuals who might have been forgotten were once again remembered. The Lake Deborah Plaque stands as a powerful symbol of remembrance and resilience. It is a reminder that behind every name on a plaque lies a story of courage and sacrifice.