“To Those of Needham who served their country in the World War, 1917-1918, and in memory of those who died in service” These are the words etched upon the Needham World War I Memorial. This monument stands as a tribute to the brave men and women of Needham. They served during the Great War.
Needham’s residents decided to create a memorial shortly after World War I ended. The Town Meeting voted to spend 17500 dollars in 1920. They purchased ten acres of land from Nellie Richwagen. This land would become Memorial Park. It honored those who served in the war.
Community Day took place on April 19 1921. Jim Crossman a war hero led the effort. Over 2000 volunteers came ready to work. They had shovels picks rakes and wheelbarrows. They marched to the site from different parts of town. They began cutting into the hill near Highland Avenue.
A steam shovel and much manual labor helped to move the earth. A flat plain was created about two feet above street level. A two-foot stone wall locked the field in place along Highland Avenue. Volunteers brought food for the workers. Tables held homemade pies hot dogs baked beans and more.
Needham Post 14 of the American Legion presented the boulder and plaque to the town in 1935. This boulder stands at the front of the park. It faces Highland Avenue. It serves as the Needham World War I Memorial. The plaque honors those who served. It remembers those who died.
The names of eight Needham men killed in action during World War I are Raymond Blades Paul E. Libby John F. Booth Ralph Patrick Robert Burrows Frances W. Whitney Michael Guiseppe and Francis T. Yates. These names ensure their sacrifice is never forgotten.
Over time Memorial Park expanded. It gained a baseball diamond a cinder track and a football field. The football field hosts the country’s oldest High School Thanksgiving Day rivalry. Needham and Wellesley have played each other since 1882.
In 2014 the Needham War Memorial Committee unveiled Needham’s Fallen Brave monument. This monument remembers 97 Needham residents. They died in battle from the Revolutionary War to the present day. A plaque was also placed at Needham High School.
The Needham World War I Memorial in Memorial Park is more than stone and metal. It embodies the town’s gratitude. It shows their enduring respect for those who served. Take a moment to reflect on their service. Remember their sacrifice. Consider the values they defended.