Honor the Brave Statue

Could a monument whisper tales of bravery? Here at the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument, it certainly feels that way. The Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument stands proudly in Riverside Park, a testament to the unwavering spirit of the Union soldiers and sailors who fought in the American Civil War. This monument, an echo of the Choragic Monument of Lysicrates in Athens, was designed by Stoughton & Stoughton, with the artistic touch of Paul E. M. DuBoy. Dedicated on Memorial Day in 1902, with President Theodore Roosevelt himself presiding, the monument bears a simple, yet powerful inscription: “To the memory of the brave soldiers and sailors who saved the Union.” Its construction, completed on May 26, 1902, used granite from the Lacasse Quarry in Vermont. The monument’s journey to completion was a long and winding one, first suggested in 1869, but not truly gaining momentum until 1893. The site itself was a point of contention, with various locations considered before finally settling on its current home at the intersection of 89th Street and Riverside Drive. The Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument wasn’t simply built and forgotten. It became a focal point for Memorial Day celebrations, with parades of veterans marching up Riverside Drive. The monument has also graced the silver screen, appearing in films like “The Odd Couple.” Even in disrepair, this monument speaks volumes. Its chipped stones and faded paint are not just signs of neglect, but whispers of time, echoes of the countless stories it holds within its marble embrace. The Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument is more than just a structure. It is a living story, a testament to courage, sacrifice, and the enduring spirit of those who fought for the Union.