We are very grateful that Mayor Adams included $62 million in his budget to restore the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument and Plaza in Riverside Park…and even highlighted it in his presentation.
One of the most beautiful Civil War Memorials in the country, the Monument has become a special place for New Yorkers who have served in every war since, with a large Memorial Day commemoration there annually.
The Daily News saluted the Mayor for doing this in an editorial yesterday. “That this has been so damaged and fenced off for years was a shame on New York…” The last major restoration was 61 years ago.
The Memorial has had many supporters. But Council Member Gale Brewer made it her mission last year to restore the Monument and got City Hall’s attention. We were happy to help, circulating an online petition she began last Memorial Day, that demonstrated wide support. We appreciate that the City Parks Department promoted this as well.
Restoring this 121-year-old landmark will restore the promise made to honor New Yorkers who fought to save the Union. It will also assure the active service men and women who gather there each Memorial Day that we will keep our promise of honoring them as well.
