“In Memory of the Men and Women…” These words etched on the Coast Guard Memorial speak volumes. This monument commemorates the brave members of the U.S. Coast Guard. They served during World War II.
The Coast Guard Memorial stands proudly in The Battery. This location enables millions to learn a little Coast Guard history. Visitors are moved to pay tribute to service members. They served our Nation during World War II.
The bronze sculpture appears to be the first national war memorial. It depicts an interracial group. The figures are of equal stature. Painter and combat veteran Norman Millet Thomas created it. The Coast Guard Memorial was dedicated in 1955. It honors the Coast Guard members who served during World War II.
Imagine this: The Coast Guard Memorial was placed in storage in 2004. This was to accommodate the redesign of The Battery. It also made way for the construction of the South Ferry subway station.
On October 4, 2021, NYC Parks rededicated the Coast Guard Memorial. It now stands in its new landscaped setting at The Battery. The Coast Guard Memorial Plaza features a paved pathway. New benches and native plantings frame the artwork.
NYC Parks Commissioner Gabrielle Fialkoff spoke at the rededication. She noted the Coast Guard Memorial has held local and national significance. It was first unveiled over half a century ago.
U.S. Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Karl L. Schultz also spoke. He thanked the City of New York. The sculpture returned to the renewed Battery.
Warrie Price is the President of The Battery Conservancy. She said the valiant soldiers depicted will greet global visitors. They show courageous determination. Visitors enter the park’s newly rebuilt east portal.
Congressman Jerry Nadler highlighted the history of New York. He said New York City became the largest City in America because of its Port. It is fitting that we rededicate the Coast Guard Memorial here. It overlooks our beautiful harbor. The Coast Guard still protects it today. The Coast Guard Memorial honors those soldiers. They paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country’s freedom during World War II.
DVS Commissioner James Hendon called the new Coast Guard Memorial Plaza a fitting tribute. It honors the heroic sacrifice of the 1,917 Coast Guard members killed in World War II. It also honors the many others who fought to protect our freedom.
Schultz noted future on-lookers of the Coast Guard Memorial will look out towards the water. They will see Coast Guard personnel carrying on the tradition. This happens right here in New York Harbor.
The Coast Guard employs a unique mix of skills. They have broad jurisdiction. They use flexible operational capabilities. They maintain a network of partnerships. The Coast Guard is the principal Federal agency responsible for maritime safety. They ensure security and environmental stewardship in U.S. ports. They also patrol inland waterways. They protect more than 95,000 miles of U.S. coastline. They cover 4.5 million square miles of U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone. They even operate on the high seas.
The Coast Guard Memorial stands as a testament to courage. It also represents sacrifice and unwavering dedication. Take a moment to reflect on their service. Consider the price of freedom as you gaze upon this inspiring monument.