Some monuments and memorials honor both military and first responders.
The links between the military and first responders are strong – current estimates put the percentage of veteran firefighters, law enforcement officers and EMTs in the double digits. Thus, it is not surprising to see them combined on some war monuments and memorials. Here are five, selected from the 3,860 currently on The American Legion’s national database.
Bay Head Fire Company No. 1 World War II Memorial, Bay Head, N.J.: “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.”
Hose 7 Honor Roll, Greensburg, Pa.: “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.”
Queen of Martyrs Police, Fire and Military Memorial, Evergreen Park, Ill.: “Dedicated to police, fire and military personnel.”
Veteran/First Responder Memorial, Madison, N.Y.: “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.”
Youngstown Veterans & Fire Fighters Memorial, Youngstown, Pa.: “Granite base with obelisk of gray reflective granite top that honors men and women of Youngstown, Pa., who served in our nation’s wars.”
- Honor & Remembrance