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Newtown Square Veterans Memorial Symbolic Elements

THE CIRCLE

The Memorial’s overall structure is the circle, representing the unity of our Nation under the common cause to fi ght for Liberty and Justice for all. Those brave men and woman honored by this Memorial served our Nation, many making the ultimate sacrifice, to make that unifying ideal, that American ideal, a reality for all of us who live each day in the freedom paid for by their sacrifice in answering the call to duty.

THE EAGLE
Symbol of FREEDOM

Majestically perched at the top of a central obelisk, the eagle soars reminding us of our freedom and the power we have as a Nation. In the first of two wars fought on American soil, we rose up to overcome tyranny and oppression and won the Revolutionary War against impossible odds. Less than one hundred years later, the ideals of Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness cried out to be defended once more unleashing a Civil War. Miraculously, after fi ghting brother against brother, we had the strength and determination as a people to come together and heal our wounds. As a reunited Nation, we lead by example demonstrating to the world our commitment to freedom for all.

THE FOUNTAIN and POOLS
Symbols of LIFE and PEACE

At the top of the Memorial, a fountain symbolically springs eternal life as water emerges into an upper pool. The turbulent waters of the upper pool then cascades downward into an elongated reflecting pool where the rippling water is able to settle calmly leaving the visitor with a sense of serenity.

THE GRANITE WALLS
Symbol of STABILITY

Radiating outward from the center, black granite retaining walls fill the perimeter of the circle. On the face of these walls are etched the names of those who answered the call to defend our Nation and its core beliefs. Next to each name there will be a small hole where a flower, a note, an object of memory, or a written prayer can be placed.

THE COLONNADE
Symbol of SACRIFICE

On the upper level, a Colonnade of nine columns outlines the Memorial. Each column represents a foreign war and will be inscribed
with historical information regarding that war. The inscriptions will communicate, through the writings of the time, the reasons for the war, the circumstances surrounding the war and how the nation was affected during and afterward. Between the Colonnade and Fountain, a smaller semi-circular planting bed will have bronze stars within and around it, each star a remembrance of a lesser known, but no less important, armed confrontation or military action, such as Grenada, Panama, Lebanon, and Mogadishu, to name a few.

THE OBELISK
Symbol of KNOWLEDGE

Shooting straight up to the heavens, the obelisk recounts the knowledge we have gained and the ideals we are willing to fight and die for. On the Northerly side, inscribed will be the Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights, and other writings of our forefathers. On the Southerly side, will be Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address and other writing that represent who we are as a people.

THE INSCRIPTION “LEST WE FORGET”
Symbol of REMEMBERANCE

The inscription on the Memorial at Marville Village makes the promise to all Veterans and their families that we will never forget them thus making the Memorial a truly special place. The actual site location for the Memorial was hand picked by the Veterans Committee themselves who were looking for a highly visible and easily accessible location. It is a great honor and privilege for Marville Village to be the home of the Memorial for all those who have done so much for our country. The Veterans extend special thanks to George Matuszewski for his amazing design of the Memorial.

To learn more, address your questions or comments to veteransmemorial@artemisproductions.net