Several monuments and memorials across the country recognize both military service members and first responders, according to a May 5 announcement from The American Legion. The organization highlights that current estimates place the percentage of veteran firefighters, law enforcement officers, and emergency medical technicians in the double digits.
This connection between military personnel and first responders is reflected in some war monuments and memorials. The American Legion has selected five examples from its national database of 3,860 entries to illustrate this shared recognition.
One example is the Bay Head Fire Company No. 1 World War II Memorial in Bay Head, New Jersey. “This is a painted wooden plaque that lists all the Bay Head Fire Company members who served in World War II and was originally done soon after the war. Over time, the firehouse was expanded and changed, and the plaque was placed in storage. In 2019 the plaque was discovered, cleaned and reinstalled in the meeting room, where it hangs today. It lists 32 Fire Company members who served, one of whom died in the service.” Another monument is Hose 7 Honor Roll in Greensburg, Pennsylvania: “A bronze plaque on rough granite stone. The monument honors those men of Hose Company 7 who served in World War I and World War II. In World War I, the company had two men who were killed in action, two who died of non-combat-related causes and two who were wounded. In World War II, none of their men died or were wounded.”
The Queen of Martyrs Police, Fire and Military Memorial located in Evergreen Park, Illinois is described as “Dedicated to police, fire and military personnel.” Madison’s Veteran/First Responder Memorial features three plaques honoring local fire/EMS workers as well as all branches of military service: “A three-section curved block wall on a cement base with a 30’ flagpole front center (an American flag, American Legion flag and Fire Department flag fly). There are three plaques: the section-left plaque is dedicated to Madison Fire/EMS; the section-center plaque reads ‘United in Sacrifice,’ dedicated to all who served our community; the section-right plaque is dedicated to all branches of the service with an eagle and service emblems. The wall is flanked by two cement benches.” Finally, Youngstown Veterans & Fire Fighters Memorial honors residents’ participation during wartime: “Granite base with obelisk of gray reflective granite top that honors men and women of Youngstown, Pa., who served in our nation’s wars.”
These examples show how communities across America continue to recognize not only those serving overseas but also those protecting citizens at home.