“Erected by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in Honor of Her Colored Soldiers.” This inscription serves as a powerful introduction to the All Wars Memorial to Colored Soldiers and Sailors. This monument before you stands as a tribute to the African American servicemen of Pennsylvania. They bravely served in American conflicts from the Revolutionary War to World War I.
Dedicated on July 7, 1934, the Palmyra War Memorial had an unusual journey to its current prominent location in Logan Square. It was initially commissioned in 1927. The road to finding a suitable site was fraught with disagreements.
The Philadelphia Art Jury initially rejected placing the memorial on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. They wanted to avoid turning the Parkway into an “Avenue of War Memorials”. The proposed alternative site, Fitler Square, was met with strong opposition from African-American leaders. John Marquess called Fitler Square “a wilderness in a God-forsaken section”.
After much debate, a compromise was reached. The memorial was temporarily placed in West Fairmount Park. This location was behind Memorial Hall.
For decades, proposals to move the All Wars Memorial to Colored Soldiers and Sailors to a more prominent location remained unfulfilled due to lack of funds. But in 1994, the monument was relocated to its present site on Logan Square. The rededication ceremony occurred on Veterans Day, November 11, 1994.
Now, let’s examine the Palmyra War Memorial more closely. The monument reaches a height of approximately 21.5 feet. Its base measures about 17 feet wide and 13.5 feet deep. Granite forms the foundation. Bronze sculptures adorn the structure.
On the front, you will see a female figure of Justice. Some might call her “conspicuously Caucasian”. She holds laurel wreaths. These represent Honor and Reward. To her right stand two soldiers and one sailor. To her left are three soldiers. All are clad in World War I uniforms.
Turn to the reverse side of the All Wars Memorial to Colored Soldiers and Sailors. Four female figures represent War, Liberty, Peace, and Plenty. A dedication plaque and a bas relief of the Seal of Pennsylvania are also featured here. Four American eagles crown the monument. They guard The Torch of Life.
The bronze dedication plaque reads: “To Commemorate the Heroism and Sacrifice of All Colored Soldiers Who Served in the Various Wars Engaged in By the United States of America.” The shield on the right side lists “American Revolution, Civil War, Indian Wars”. The shield on the left lists “Spanish American War, Philippine Insurrection, World War.”
Art historian Ilene D. Lieberman highlights the monument’s rarity. It honors African Americans at a time when the U.S. military was rigidly segregated. Black soldiers’ courage was often questioned.
She notes an issue with the All Wars Memorial to Colored Soldiers and Sailors current placement. The front faces the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. The reverse faces the Franklin Institute.
The monument faces northeast. This leaves Justice and the black servicemen in shadow for much of the day. Despite these issues, the Palmyra War Memorial remains a powerful symbol. It stands as a testament to the bravery and sacrifice of African American soldiers. Their service to a nation that did not always treat them equally.