Officially known as the World War II Memorial at Veterans Parks, the war memorial in Trenton, New Jersey, honors the “Greatest Generation” that fought in and helped secure victory for the United States in World War II. The monument honors these veterans in numerous and specific ways, but it has also brought together the community in ways that would be otherwise impossible.
Service, Duty and Sacrifice
Recognizing the need to honor the “Greatest Generation”, the State of New Jersey took the initiative to celebrate the efforts and sacrifices of these veterans by creating a memorial in Trenton across from the State House at Veterans Park. An estimated 560,000 New Jerseyans served in the armed forces in World War II, and more than 13,000 died.
The theme for New Jersey’s World War II Memorial is “Victory”, and that is directly reflected in the 12-foot-high, one-ton statue of “Lady Victory” that is at the center of the monument. The statue is holding a laurel wreath, which was given to victorious warriors in ancient times, in one hand. The other hand holds a sword. The three core ideas of this theme are Service, Duty and Sacrifice, all of which are analogous to the WWII Generation.
Around her are six more pillars, one for each branch of the service and the merchant marine, bearing the names of New Jersey’s World War II Medal of Honor recipients from each branch. The story walls strive to communicate the war effort both at home and abroad in terms of technology, communication and New Jersey’s contribution with stories told by local veterans.
Located along an outer circle are battle scenes from the Atlantic and Pacific theatres. An amphitheater with seat-walls allows for reflection and individual interpretive kiosks serve to broaden the visitor experience and understanding. Behind “Victory” is a statue of a soldier charging forward, and behind him is a sculpture of a rifle with a helmet on top, a battlefield grave marker.
This history and the experiences that visitors can have with it have driven the way in which the community and visitors can interact with and are drawn to the space.
Bringing Together the Trenton Community
Trenton’s World War II Memorial has served as the venue for gatherings of all types and kinds. The governor of New Jersey spoke at the memorial to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of D-Day. Those in attendance listened intently to the oral histories of Army rangers and pilots who watched their comrades die in the blood-soaked sand and water off Omaha Beach.
The World War II Memorial has also been the focus of various protests and community gatherings. The amphitheater with seat-walls provides everyone with a convenient place to gather and connect with one another.
By providing Trenton with a central place for such meetings as well as a place to learn about the history of World War II, both residents and visitors have come to embrace what they can experience at the monument. Doing so has enabled a lasting legacy for the city of Trenton and the state of New Jersey.
The Legacy of Those Who Served
Just like other war memorials that honor veterans from a specific state or multiple wars, Trenton’s World War II Memorial has become a permanent reminder of the values for which the war was fought while enabling a legacy for those who served. It has also been able to bring the community together, allowing it to have a positive impact on the present community by creating a lasting tribute to everyone who served in World War II.
