KINGSTON – Over 1,000 people attended the dedication of a new War Memorial outside the Ulster County Office Building in Uptown Kingston on Sunday afternoon. The Roll of Honor consists of five black polished granite slabs, etched with the names of residents who perished in every American conflict.
A time and place to reflect on those who gave all for their country
“Each and every person whose name is engraved on these walls is an American hero,” said County Executive Michael Hein. A total of 1,307 Ulster residents perished in all wars. “From the Revolutionary War, to World War I and II, the Korean War to Vietnam and Afghanistan to Iraq, they stood together and fought as brothers in arms, all to serve America. With this monument of honor, we immortalize our fallen heroes, and place this granite tribute on the most prominent location in county government, all to create constant, lasting and public reminder that there would be no county, state or nation, without the ultimate sacrifice of all these brave American heroes. We are the United States of America because they made it so.”
“The shape is like the Pentagon in Washington DC, which is a symbol of leadership,” said Ira Weiner, commander Ulster County American Legion, who worked with county officials and other vet groups to complete the project. Weiner also noted that the stone and engraving style is inspired by the Vietnam War Memorial in DC.
At the entrance of the memorial is a steel battle cross sculpture fashioned after the fallen soldier marker.
“It actually started in the Civil War, as a way of identifying the bodies on the battleground before they were removed,” Weiner explained.
This centerpiece depicts an inverted rifle, with the bayonet stuck in the ground, topped with a helmet, dog tags hanging off the rifle, and the boots of a fallen soldier alongside.
“The meaning of the cross is to show honor and respect of the dead at the battle site,” Weiner said.
