New York City Department Of Parks & Recreation: NYC Parks Unveils Rededicated Coast Guard Memorial In New Plaza At The Battery

New York City NY

06 October, 2021

5:40 AM

Description

Press release from New York City Department of Parks & Recreation: October 4, 2021 NYC Parks Commissioner Gabrielle Fialkoff, U.S. Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Karl L. Schultz, and The Battery Conservancy President Warrie Price today celebrated the rededication of the Coast Guard Memorial in its new landscaped setting at The Battery. They were joined by Congressman Jerrold Nadler, State Senator Brian Kavanagh, NYC Department of Veterans' Services Commissioner James Hendon, and members of the community. "The Coast Guard Memorial has held local and national significance since it was first unveiled over half a century ago, and we are happy to rededicate this pioneering sculpture in its new landscaped setting at The Battery," said Commissioner Fialkoff. "We thank the U.S. Coast Guard and The Battery Conservancy for their partnership in helping us honor this important branch of the U.S. military for their selfless service through this artwork." During his remarks, Commandant Admiral Schultz thanked the City of New York for returning the sculpture to the renewed Battery as the location enables "millions who visit to learn a little Coast Guard history…and be moved to pay tribute to three service members, representing all service members, who served our Nation during World War II." "These valiant soldiers depicted in the Coast Guard Memorial will greet our global visitors with courageous determination as they enter the park's newly rebuilt east portal," said Warrie Price, President of The Battery Conservancy. Parks has installed the monument at the newly created Coast Guard Memorial Plaza, which features a paved pathway with new benches and native plantings framing the artwork. The bronze sculpture appears to be the first national war memorial depicting an interracial group in which the figures are of equal stature. It was created by painter and combat veteran Norman Millet Thomas and dedicated in 1955 to honor the Coast Guard members who served during World War II. The sculpture was placed in storage in 2004 to accommodate the redesign of The Battery and construction of the South Ferry subway station. The plaza construction was funded by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority in the amount of $770,000. The Battery Conservancy will maintain the new green space, and Parks' monuments crew will care for the monument as part of its citywide program. "The history of New York began at The Battery," said Congressman Jerry Nadler. "New York City became the largest City in America because of its Port. It is most fitting that today overlooking our beautiful harbor that the Coast Guard still protects today, that we rededicate the Coast Guard Memorial honoring those soldiers who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country's freedom during World War II." "The new Coast Guard Memorial Plaza is a fitting tribute to the heroic sacrifice of the 1,917 Coast Guard members killed in World War II and the many others who fought to protect our freedom," said DVS Commissioner James Hendon. "For generations to come, people from around the world will be able to rest in the shadows of this iconic sculpture and reflect on the pivotal role that the Coast Guard played in helping to win the war." Schultz noted that "future on-lookers" of the memorial "will then look-out towards the water, and see Coast Guard personnel carrying on the tradition, right here in New York Harbor." This press release was produced by New York City Department of Parks & Recreation. The views expressed here are the author's own.