Containing numerous monuments and landmarks that are dedicated to various wars along with contemporary sculptures, Memorial Park in Providence, Rhode Island, is a picturesque location that sits alongside the Providence River. Stemming from an effort to celebrates the people who gave their lives during war, what is also known as Providence River Park has done that and so much more by cultivating a sense of history and connection that resonates with audiences of all types.
Symbolizing the Virtues of Providence’s Citizens
The World War I Monument was created in the mid-1920s to memorialize citizens who had served in the armed forces during the First World War. The platform of the monument features four bronze plaques, depicting a battleship, airplane, tank, and machine gun. Written into is is a dedication by the city of Providence to commemorate the fidelity and loyalty of its’ citizens who served during the war. The memorial names specific battles Rhode Islanders fought in with the word “Peace” at the top of the tower as well as a figure of Peace (or Victory) atop the monument.
The plinth also contains quotes from Lincoln, Wilson and Emerson. Between each section is an insignia of a different branch of military service. The lower portion of the column contains a memorial frieze that symbolizes the virtues of Providence’s citizens during the war.
The monument was dedicated in 1929 but in 1984 it was designated for relocation because of the pending rivers relocation project. It was partially dismantled and stored until reinstallation in 1996, after which it enabled the creation of various other landmarks and features throughout what would become Memorial Park.
A Variety of Landmarks and Monuments
Memorial Park has become a sculpture-filled attraction thanks to the installation of additional monuments that have a direct connection to the the World War I Monument. That connection can be seen in landmarks like the World War II Memorial, which was dedicated in 2007 and honors the generation of Rhode Islanders who fought in the Second World War.
Nearby, the Rhode Island Holocaust Memorial was installed in 2015 and pays tribute to “all that we have lost and all that we have learned” from the atrocities of World War II. Not far from it resides the Korean War Memorial, which signifies the price of war and honors veterans of the Korean War by depicting a kneeling soldier fighting off the rain and cold.
Not all of the landmarks in Memorial Park have this type of connection to the World War I Monument though, as it also features pieces the “Gun Totem” by Boris Bally. Created in 2001 with more than 1,000 guns from a firearm buy-back program, it is is one of several sculptures that fill the park that were not designed to be memorials.
The variety has enabled Memorial Park to become a hub of activity and reflection, allowing visitors to do anything from take a stroll to commemorate the history of the city, state and nation. The numerous experiences that are available to visitors have ensured that Memorial Park itself will continue to attract audiences in the present and the future.
Celebrating a Legacy
Numerous parks and spaces have been able to cultivate further attention based on the activity surrounding a single monument, but the way in which the World War I Monument has enabled Memorial Park to become a sculpture-filled attraction is unique. In doing so, it highlights what it can mean to celebrate a legacy that spans multiple eras and communities for the benefit of people in all eras.
