Jay Lucas
Sunshine Initiative
This week, we are delighted to highlight as our Profile of the Week, our precious monuments that pay tribute to veterans. In nearly every town common, park, or center of town in New Hampshire, monuments are dedicated to those who served in America’s wars. These monuments recognize the sacrifices of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice and those who served in the wars. You can find them listed at www.HMdb.org — the Historical Marker Database for New Hampshire.
It was after the Civil War that a number of memorials and parks were established in New Hampshire to honor the veterans of the war — locations such as the Veterans’ Association Campground at Weirs Beach.
In 1878, Manchester created a monument in Veterans’ Park to commemorate those who served in the Civil War. The monument has an inscription that states, “In honor of the men of Manchester who gave their service in the war which saved the Union and secured equal rights for all under the Constitution.” However, there is one notable soldier that the park is dedicated to, beyond the Civil War, and that is Private First Class Rene A Gagnon. Rene A Gagnon was fighting with the United States Marine Corps on Iwo Jima. He was one of 6 men who took part in the most memorable flag raising in United States History.
In Plainfield, a monument with all the names of the service members who served in the First World War keeps alive the memory of those who served overseas.
The New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen was established in 1997, and is a place of reverence and remembrance for the state’s military heroes. The centerpiece of this sacred site is the Veterans Memorial Plaza, a moving tribute to the courage and sacrifices of all veterans. It features a stunning array of statues and plaques, creating a serene space for reflection and gratitude.
The Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch, built in 1892, stands at the eastern end of the State House grounds in honor of Concord’s Civil War veterans. It is constructed of granite, measuring 33.5 feet high and 53 feet in width. It was designed by the prominent Boston architectural firm of Peabody and Stearns and features symbolic elements such as wreaths and shields, all topped by a Gatling gun. Just below the gun is the year 1892, and beneath the cornice is the inscription: “To the memory of her soldiers and sailors, the city of Concord builds this monument.”
The USS Albacore Museum and Park in Portsmouth celebrates the remarkable service of the USS Albacore, a submarine that played vital roles during World War II and the Cold War. The monument offers visitors the chance to explore the submarine and learn about its contributions to national defense, making it an educational and inspirational site.
This Veterans Day, organizations such as the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion honored those who have served with services and lunches. Even if you didn’t attend those events, please take a moment, go to one of these monuments and pay tribute to those who have given so very much to defend our great nation and preserve our precious freedom.
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