Engraved in stone are the names of local servicemen killed in World War I at Zion Park War Memorial. This memorial stands as a testament to courage. It honors the valor and sacrifice of those who served. We are standing in Brooklyn between Pitkin Avenue and East New York Avenue. This land was once owned by Peter L. Vandeveer. In 1896 he gifted the property to the City of Brooklyn.
Initially, it was named Vandeveer Park. The Board of Alderman renamed it Zion Park in 1911. This acknowledged the large local Jewish community. Years later, a vision took shape to honor the fallen. Alexander S. Drescher spearheaded this initiative in 1923. He was chairman of the Citizens Memorial Committee. He also chaired the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Memorial Committees of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars. Drescher petitioned for a memorial. He wanted to honor those who served their country. He also sought funds for site improvements. Financing delays pushed the project forward to 1925.
Henry Beaumont Herz designed the memorial. Charles Cary Rumsey sculpted it. The Zion Park War Memorial features a wall. Its central section rises higher than the rest. A bas-relief depicts winged female warriors. Side sections are incised with names. The memorial rests on a raised platform. Steps and banisters adorn it. Medallions, an eagle, and a Star of David are featured. A plaque completes the design. Many names belong to soldiers of World War I.
Charles Cary Rumsey’s vision included three reliefs. There were to be two side reliefs of a soldier and a sailor. The central relief was of a winged figure of victory. Rumsey also created the “Buffalo Hunt” relief on the Manhattan Bridge entrance. Sadly, Rumsey died in a car crash in 1922. He had just finished a preliminary version of the victory relief. Edmondo Quattrochi, his assistant, completed the work.
The Zion Park War Memorial was dedicated on November 1 1925. It stands thirteen feet tall and twenty feet wide. The side reliefs of the soldier and sailor were never made. Over time, the monument suffered vandalism. Attempts were made to cover it up. In the 1990s, it was painted white to hide graffiti. In recent years, Zion Triangle Plaza has undergone renovation. The Zion Park War Memorial has been restored.
A. Ottavino Corp. thoroughly reviewed the monument. They noted pieces needing repair or replacement. In 2018, the monument was in fair condition. The firm removed old paint, biologic growth, and surface erosion. They replaced missing pieces and filled cracks. The landing and steps were severely damaged. These were replaced with Indiana limestone.
The $600,000 restoration was part of an expansion. Legion Street was permanently closed between Pitkin and East New York Avenues. New sidewalks were installed. ADA-compliant pedestrian ramps were added. The park now features amphitheater-style seating. This allows for outdoor performances. New plants and trees beautify the area. The expansion and restoration were celebrated in November. It marked 95 years since the original dedication.
Zion Park War Memorial stands as a reminder. It reminds us of the sacrifices made for freedom. Its stones echo stories of bravery. They whisper of a community’s enduring gratitude.