Memorial Day is an important holiday that honors the brave men and women who sacrificed their lives for our country. Hudson County has a rich history of military service dating back to the Revolutionary War, and it’s no surprise that there are various war memorials scattered throughout the county. These memorials are not just structures, but they represent the bravery, valor, and sacrifice of our soldiers throughout our nation’s history. In this blog post, we will take a deeper look into some of the war memorials in Hudson County, including their names, locations, and historical significance.
1. The Hudson County Plaza Veterans Memorial
This iconic memorial located at the Hudson County Plaza in Jersey City is a tribute to all County residents who have served in the US military. It was inaugurated in 1996, and its bronze sculptures and inscriptions represent all the branches of the military. The site also includes a beautiful fountain and a reflecting pool.
2. The Weehawken World War One Memorial
The Weehawken World War One Memorial located on Boulevard East has been standing for over 100 years. It is made of bronze and granite and dedicated to the Weehawken soldiers who fought and died in the First World War. The four walls of the memorial contain the names of 82 military men. (see photo above)
3. Hall of Heroes, Bayonne
Located in Bayonne’s City Hall, the “Hall of Heroes” is a memorial to all Bayonne residents who have served in the military. The Wall displays images of former military personnel along with painted artwork on the wall around the City Council chambers.
4. Hoboken World War I Memorial
The World War I American Expeditionary Forces (A. E. F.) Memorial Boulder, dedicated by the Knights of Columbus in 1925, was recently relocated from its original home on 2nd and River Streets to the foot of 1st St at Pier A. This memorial honors the three million A. E. F. troops who passed through Hoboken, the port of embarkation for all troops during World War I. President Woodrow Wilson sailed from Hoboken in 1918 to attend the Paris Peace Conference, during which he proposed the formation of the League of Nations, forerunner of the United Nations.
5. Korean War Veterans Memorial, Jersey City
The Korean War Veterans Memorial is located in Jersey City’s Paulus Hook neighborhood on Washington Street. It was built to remember the American soldiers who died and those who were injured during the Korean War. The memorial is based on the winning design of a competition initiated by the Stevens Institute of Technology’s Departments of Mechanical Engineering and Civil Engineering
These are just a few of the war memorials in Hudson County that pay tribute to the brave men and women who served our country. Taking a trip through these memorials in honor of Memorial Day is a great way to appreciate the sacrifice of those who fought and died for our country. Each of these memorials tells a unique story, and it’s important that we remember those who’ve given their lives in service of our country. So on this Memorial Day, let us take a moment to honor the memory of these war heroes, not just by visiting the memorials but also by living up to the values they upheld.
