Soldiers’ Memorial

Soldiers’ Memorial is once again accessible to people with disabilities. That it was ever not - even for a while and only for some - is a sad commentary on both our civic sensibilities and the City’s budget.

Late last week, I joined members of the Soldiers’ Memorial Committee and others in dedicating a new accessible entrance ramp, designed and built with mostly private resources.

Soldiers’ Memorial is the City’s tribute to the men and women who have served their country, especially in times of war. Dedicated by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1936, its entrance has sculptures of winged horses and fierce warriors who represent virtues in a soldier’s life-courage and vision stand at the south stairs and loyalty and sacrifice are at the north stairs. Two exhibit rooms hold collections of military items---uniforms, photographs, weaponry, war souvenirs and regalia, posters and medals. It is once again accessible to all veterans of all wars, of all ages and of all abilities.

I want to thank everyone who helped make this new ramp possible - and I especially want to acknowledge the service and sacrifice of those who made it necessary.