Chester Memorial Park

Chester, Connecticut honors veterans who served in World War I and beyond with multiple monuments in a small park at the intersection of Middlesex Turnpike (Route 154) and Railroad Avenue. 1. Chester’s World War I monument, dedicated in 1939, features a granite doughboy figure atop a monument listing local veterans. A central panel bears a dedication reading, “In honor of the men of Chester who served in the World War 1917-1918.” The central panel lists two columns of names, and highlights three residents killed in the conflict. The list of names is flanked by representations of a nurse and a sailor. 2. A granite monument dedicated in 2004 honors Chester residents who served in World War II, Korea, Vietnam and Post-Vietnam conflicts. Starting at the left side of the monument, more than four columns of World War II veterans are listed along with veterans of the more recent wars (over 400). The central panel bears a dedication reading, “There was a time when the world asked ordinary people to do extraordinary things. To the men and women of Chester who served our country.” The central panel also features five service emblems and representations of two soldiers. The monument is topped with an eagle and globe that were added in June of 2010. 3. Lying between the two monuments and at the foot of the three flagpoles is a granite marker that lists 10 residents killed in World War II and further honors the service of Chester’s Korea veterans.