Dedicated to heroes. That’s the feeling you get standing before the Bushwick War Memorial. It stands as a testament to the sacrifices made by the men of the 13th Assembly District. They served the United States in World War I from 1917 to 1918.
This memorial records their patriotism. It honors their devotion. The Bushwick War Memorial serves as a place for reflection. It is a reminder of the cost of freedom.
Brooklyn has several war memorials. This Bushwick War Memorial is one of them. Each one tells a story. It shows the borough’s commitment to honoring its veterans.
Many of these memorials were created by students at NYU. Dr. Andrew Lee guided them. They documented fourteen Brooklyn memorials. Each is dedicated to local soldiers. These soldiers lost their lives in World War I.
Another war memorial in Brooklyn is the Brooklyn War Memorial. It is in Cadman Plaza. This memorial honors Brooklynites who served in World War II. Sculptor Charles Keck created two high-relief figures. They represent victory and family.
The Brooklyn War Memorial includes a memorial wall. The names of 11000 Brooklynites are inscribed on it. They died in World War II. The memorial was dedicated in 1951. It was restored in 1977. Sadly it is now in poor condition. It is closed to the public.
Parks Commissioner Robert Moses wanted a World War II monument for each borough. The Brooklyn War Memorial was the result. Stuart Constable, Gilmore D Clarke, and W Earle Andrews designed it. They worked with the firm of Eggers and Higgins.
The two figures by Charles Keck are larger than life. They are on the south facade. At the dedication in 1951 they were the largest sculptures in New York City.
The inscription reads This memorial is dedicated to the heroic men and women of the borough of Brooklyn. They fought for liberty in the Second World War 1941-1945 and especially to those who suffered and died. May their sacrifice inspire future generations and lead to universal peace.
The Brooklyn War Memorial was meant to be a community facility. Veterans’ groups and arts organizations used it. Committees of Brooklyn Community Board 2 met there. Veterans held ceremonies. Musical and theater groups performed. Exercise classes took place.
But this activity stopped in the early 1980s. Only one organization remained. Brooklyn College used it for art exhibits. But even they were evicted in 2006. The city began using the basement for storage. Access became restricted. Relatives of World War II vets must make appointments to view the plaques.
The building’s condition is poor. The Parks Department estimates it needs millions for renovations. These include a wheelchair-accessible entrance. Air conditioning is needed.
In 1987 an agreement allocated funds for an elevator. Other improvements were planned. But this work was never done.
There’s also a poignant monument to fallen Brooklyn transit workers. It’s near the Broadway Junction subway stop. This World War I memorial features a bronze plaque. It is framed in granite.
The plaque shows a robed figure in mourning. The figure reclines holding a palm branch. A subway car is carved under the figure’s elbow. The initials BRT are inside a logo.
BRT stood for Brooklyn Rapid Transit system. It consolidated railroad lines in Brooklyn and Queens. The company built this monument before going bankrupt. The plaque reads Dedicated by the employees of the Brooklyn Rapid Transit System to the memory of their fallen HEROES in the world war 1917-1918.
More than 50 names are emblazoned on the plaque. Each man’s job and location are listed. Pvt Theodore P Jensen was a motorman. Sgt Bernard F Spaulding was a plumber’s helper.
Transit workers added a small plaque in memory of later veterans. There are few signs of recent visitors. The sculptor may have been A Zeitlin. He was a Russian-born artist.
Each of these memorials tells a story. They remind us of the sacrifices made. The Bushwick War Memorial is a reminder of the cost of freedom. May we never forget those who served.