Smithsonian American Art Museum Arts Inventories Catalog

The works of art highlighted below are not held by the Smithsonian—instead, they have been cataloged in the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s Art Inventories Catalog:

The Inventories of American Painting and Sculpture document more than 400,000 artworks in public and private collections worldwide. The Inventory of American Paintings includes works by artists who were active in America by 1914. The Inventory of American Sculpture has no cut-off date and includes works from the colonial era through contemporary times. These online databases are supplemented by a photographic collection of over 80,000 images. The photographs are available for study purposes in our Washington, D.C., office. Digital images are in the process of being added to the online database. Search the art inventory databases online via SIRIS (the Smithsonian Institution Research Information System).

For more information on the Inventories, visit the Art Inventories Catalog page.

The vast majority of works in this section are memorial sculptures, most of which feature women as allegorical representations of countries and/or ideals. However, a few of the sculptures memorialize the efforts of women during the war.

Save Outdoor Sculpture, New Jersey survey, 1994.Image on file.(On front:) A TRIBUTE TO THE MEN AND/WOMEN OF LITTLE FALLS WHO/GAVE THE FULL MEASURE OF/DEVOTION TO THEIR COUNTRY/IN THE WORLD WAR (Continued by names of people killed in action and lines from President Wilson's addres
Notes
Save Outdoor Sculpture, New Jersey survey, 1994.
Image on file.
(On front:) A TRIBUTE TO THE MEN AND/WOMEN OF LITTLE FALLS WHO/GAVE THE FULL MEASURE OF/DEVOTION TO THEIR COUNTRY/IN THE WORLD WAR (Continued by names of people killed in action and lines from President Wilson's address to a joint session of the two Houses of Congress, April 2, 1917) signed
The information provided about this artwork was compiled as part of the Smithsonian American Art Museum's Inventories of American Painting and Sculpture database, designed to provide descriptive and location information on artworks by American artists in public and private collections worldwide.
Summary
A modern adaptation of the classic Greek stele which was erected by the ancient Helenes in memory of soldiers who fell in foreign wars. A stele with a female figure representing Peace in high relief, standing atop a pedestal with arms and wings slightly spread. She wears a robe with a tie at her waist. Her hands are resting on columns on both sides of her.
Date
Dedicated July 4, 1928
sculptor
Keck, Charles 1875-1951
architect
Deacy, William Henry 1890-1967
contractor
Presbrey-LeLand Company
Control number
IAS NJ000031
Save Outdoor Sculpture, New Hampshire survey, 1993.Image on file.The Meredith News (New Hampshire), June 3, 1992, pg. 1.(On World War I plaque:) (copyright symbol) LIBERTY BRONZE WORKS N.Y.
Notes
Save Outdoor Sculpture, New Hampshire survey, 1993.
Image on file.
The Meredith News (New Hampshire), June 3, 1992, pg. 1.
(On World War I plaque:) (copyright symbol) LIBERTY BRONZE WORKS N.Y. (On World War I plaque, raised letters:) IN HONOR OF/CENTER HARBOR BOYS/WHO FOUGHT FOR LIBERTY/(List of names in two columns) (First Column) 1914 WORLD WAR 1918/(List of eleven names)/U.S. NAVY/NOYES V. SANBORN/SPANISH WAR/EBEN S. HAWKINS (Second column) 1861 CIVIL WAR 1865/(List of eighteen names)/"THAT GOVERNMENT OF THE PEOPLE,/BY THE PEOPLE, FOR THE PEOPLE SHALL/NOT PERISH FROM THE EARTH."/A Lincoln (On center plaque, raised letters:) IN HONOR OF/THOSE WHO SERVED FROM/CENTER HARBOR/IN WORLD WAR II/(List of thirty-eight names in two columns)/DEDICATED TO THE GLORY OF ALMIGHTY GOD/IN MEMORY OF CENTER HARBOR MEN AND WOMEN/WHO BY THEIR UNSELFISH PATRIOTISM HAVE/ADVANCED THE AMERICAN IDEALS OF LIBERTY AND/THE UNIVERSAL BROTHERHOOD OF MEN (On right plaque, raised letters:) IN HONOR OF/THOSE WHO SERVED FROM/CENTER HARBOR/KOREAN WAR/(List of four names in two columns)/VIETNAM WAR/(List of eleven names in two columns)/PERSIAN GULF WAR/DANIEL J. WHITE/IN GRATEFUL TRIBUTE TO THE VETERANS OF ALL WARS/FROM THIS TOWN WHO SERVED OUR COUNTRY TO PRESERVE/THE FREEDOM OF HUMANITY unsigned Founder's mark appears.
The information provided about this artwork was compiled as part of the Smithsonian American Art Museum's Inventories of American Painting and Sculpture database, designed to provide descriptive and location information on artworks by American artists in public and private collections worldwide.
Summary
A granite stele with three bronze plaques. The left text plaque includes a relief scene of a World War I artillery battery in action, with three cannons. In the foreground, a soldier lies wounded or dead near the first artillery battery. Below the relief scene is text. The central text plaque is decorated with emblems of the three branches of the Armed Services. The right text plaque is decorated with the military badges of the U.S. Army, Coast Guard, Air Force, Marine Corps and Navy. Each plaque is topped by a heraldic eagle clutching a banner with "USA" on it. The eagles' wings are outstretched and flanked by semi-unfurled American flags and foliage.
Date
Installed 1920 (?). Dedicated May 30, 1992
founder
Liberty Bronze Works
contractor
Laconia Monument Company
Control number
IAS NH000284
Save Outdoor Sculpture, New Jersey survey, 1996.Image on file.(On lower right side of upper relief plaque on front of base:) E.
Notes
Save Outdoor Sculpture, New Jersey survey, 1996.
Image on file.
(On lower right side of upper relief plaque on front of base:) E. CADORIN (On upper plaque on back of base:) (Emblem)/DEDICATED TO THE MEN/WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES IN/THE SERVICE OF THEIR COUNTRY/WORLD WAR II/(List of twenty-one names in two columns)/PRESENTED BY/THE CITIZENS OF EDGEWATER (On lower left plaque on back of base:) (Emblem)/DEDICATED TO THE MEN/WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES IN/THE SERVICE OF THEIR COUNTRY/WORLD WAR I/(List of four names in two columns)/PRESENTED BY/THE CITIZENS OF EDGEWATER/MAY 30, 1989 (On lower center plaque on back of base:) TO THOSE WHO SERVED/IN THE PROTECTION OF/THEIR COUNTRY DURING/THE KOREAN WAR/DEDICATED NOVEMBER 11, 1994/AMERICAN LEGION POST 116 (On lower right plaque on back of base:) (Emblem)/DEDICATED TO THE MEN/WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES IN/THE SERVICE OF THEIR COUNTRY/VIETNAM WAR/(List of five names follows)/PRESENTED BY/THE CITIZENS OF EDGEWATER/MAY 30, 1989 signed
The information provided about this artwork was compiled as part of the Smithsonian American Art Museum's Inventories of American Painting and Sculpture database, designed to provide descriptive and location information on artworks by American artists in public and private collections worldwide.
Summary
Two relief plaques affixed to the front of tall upright slab. The upper plaque depicts a sailor, a soldier, and a marine. The three figures, dressed in military uniforms, stand side-by-side with arms interlinked. The sailor, at the far left, raises his proper right arm and point to the left side of the relief plaque. In the distance at the far left of the plaque is a ship out to sea. The figure at the far right holds a rifle by the barrel with his lowered proper left hand. The lower relief plaque depicts a seated allegorical female figure, dressed in flowing robes, who raises her proper right arm while holding onto a flagpole and unfurled flag with her proper left hand. To the right of the female figure is a list of names. Garlands hang across the top of the relief and two wreaths decorate the lower corners. Four plaques are affixed to the back of the base.
Date
1919
sculptor
Cadorin, Ettore 1876-1952
Control number
IAS NJ000240
Save Outdoor Sculpture, Maine survey, 1994.SOS Conservation Treatment Award, 1999.Woman's Art Journal (Fall / Winter 2008): pg. 31-40.Image on file.Kittery Booklet Committee, "Kittery, Ancient and Modern," Kittery, ME: Kittery Booklet Committee, copyright 1931, pg.
Notes
Save Outdoor Sculpture, Maine survey, 1994.
SOS Conservation Treatment Award, 1999.
Woman's Art Journal (Fall / Winter 2008): pg. 31-40.
Image on file.
Kittery Booklet Committee, "Kittery, Ancient and Modern," Kittery, ME: Kittery Booklet Committee, copyright 1931, pg. 10.
Woman's Art Journal (Fall / Winter 2008): pg. 31-40.
(On lower front of granite stele:) THE STATE OF MAINE /TO HER SAILORS AND SOLDIERS (On lower edge of allegorical bronze relief:) "Lord God of Hosts Be with us yet lest we forget, lest we forget" - Kipling (On lower left of allegorical relief:) BASHKA PAEFF/FECIT 1925 (On relief of state seal:) Bernard Johnson (On banner above state seal relief:) DIRIGO (On banner below state seal relief:) MAINE signed
The information provided about this artwork was compiled as part of the Smithsonian American Art Museum's Inventories of American Painting and Sculpture database, designed to provide descriptive and location information on artworks by American artists in public and private collections worldwide.
Summary
On one side of a granite stele is an allegorical bronze relief, "Sacrifices of War," that depicts a central female figure representing "Civilization" clutching a child and looking down upon death, which is represented by two dead bodies. In the background, heroism and self-sacrifice are represented by a battlefield image of World War I soldiers engaged in battle, one aiming a rifle and one tossing a grenade. On the other side of the stele is a bronze relief that depicts the Maine state seal, which features a central shield adorned with a pine tree above a reclining animal; flanked on the right by a sailor leaning against an anchor, and flanked on the left by a farmer leaning against a scythe. At the bottom of the seal is a banner inscribed with "MAINE." Above the state seal is a star within a pentagon and a small banner inscribed with "DIRIGO." At the bottom four corners of the stele are reliefs of wreathes.
Date
1925. Dedicated May 31, 1926. Rededicated May 31, 2001
sculptor
Paeff, Bashka 1893-1979
Johnson, Bernard
Control number
IAS ME000081
Index of American Sculpture, University of Delaware, 1985Framingham Historical Society, 1977.Save Outdoor Sculpture, Massachusetts survey, 1997.The memorial consists of a granite stele featuring a bronze relief figure of Winged Victory grasping a sword in her proper right hand an
Notes
Index of American Sculpture, University of Delaware, 1985
Framingham Historical Society, 1977.
Save Outdoor Sculpture, Massachusetts survey, 1997.
Summary
The memorial consists of a granite stele featuring a bronze relief figure of Winged Victory grasping a sword in her proper right hand and holding aloft a torch in eternal memory of those who participated in American conflicts abroad. On her head she wears a laurel wreath of victory. The granite stele is adorned with eight bronze plaques commemorating the wars in which Americans participated. Six plaques are installed on the main part of the stele and two are installed on low granite panels subsequently added at either end. Each plaque is adorned at the top with a small shield. The shield on the Revolutionary War plaque features the Town of Framingham seal.
Date
Installed 1952. Dedicated May 31, 1953
sculptor
Ciampa, Emilius 1896-
Control number
IAS 77000627
Save Outdoor Sculpture, Wisconsin survey, 1995.Image on file.(Before memorial, on front of wall:) SHEBOYGAN COUNTY VETERANS MEMORIAL (White marker in center of memorial, in script:) Veterans of Foreign Wars/of the/United States/Founded 1899/(VFW emblem)/Sheboygan Falls/Daane-Gall
Notes
Save Outdoor Sculpture, Wisconsin survey, 1995.
Image on file.
(Before memorial, on front of wall:) SHEBOYGAN COUNTY VETERANS MEMORIAL (White marker in center of memorial, in script:) Veterans of Foreign Wars/of the/United States/Founded 1899/(VFW emblem)/Sheboygan Falls/Daane-Gallagher Post 10383 (Center black granite marker, under archway:) "THOSE WHO HAVE LONG ENJOYED SUCH/PRIVILEGES AS WE ENJOY, FORGET IN/TIME THAT MEN HAVE DIED TO WIN THEM."/FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT/DEC. 15, 1941/DEDICATED TO THE MEMORY OF THE/MEN AND WOMEN OF SHEBOYGAN/COUNTY WHO HAVE MADE THE SUPREME/SACRIFICE IN THE DEFENSE OF OUR NATION./A TRIBUTE TO ALL WHO PARTICIPATED IN ANY OF THOSE/HOSTILITIES DEEMED NECESSARY FOR CITIZENS TO BEAR/ARMS IN THE PRESERVATION OF OUR MANY FREEDOMS./CIVIL WAR/SPANISH AMERICAN WAR/WORLD WAR I WORLD WAR II/KOREAN WAR/VIETNAM WAR/LEBANON GRENADA PANAMA DESERT STORM (Remaining black granite markers under archways: lists of names)
The information provided about this artwork was compiled as part of the Smithsonian American Art Museum's Inventories of American Painting and Sculpture database, designed to provide descriptive and location information on artworks by American artists in public and private collections worldwide.
Summary
A war memorial consisting of seven arches linked in a semicircle, with a black granite marker centered under each archway. The markers commemorate soldiers who died in the following: Civil War, Spanish American War, World War I, World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War, Lebanon, Grenada, Panama, and Desert Storm. Each black granite marker is lit by a recessed spotlight in the foundation before it. There is a white VFW marker in the center of the plaza flanked by three flagpoles, with four benches on the plaza's rim. A walkway leads up to the memorial, with a long, short, brick-flanked wall before it.
Date
1990
sculptor
Minster, Norm
Control number
IAS WI000442
Save Outdoor Sculpture, Massachusetts survey, 1994.Image on file.T.F.
Notes
Save Outdoor Sculpture, Massachusetts survey, 1994.
Image on file.
T.F. McGann & Sons Co.FRY/BOSTON MASS (On top center of relief plaque, raised:) HONOR ROLL/ERECTED BY/THE CITIZENS OF WARD THREE OF SALEM/TO COMMEMORATE THE PATRIOTIC SERVICES/OF THESE MEN AND WOMEN IN THE WORLD WAR/(List of 291 names in five columns follows)/IT IS SWEET AND NOBLE TO SERVE/ONE'S COUNTRY IN HER HOUR OF NEED (At lower left corner of relief plaque, raised:) 1917 (At lower right corner of relief plaque, raised:) 1918 Founder's mark appears.
The information provided about this artwork was compiled as part of the Smithsonian American Art Museum's Inventories of American Painting and Sculpture database, designed to provide descriptive and location information on artworks by American artists in public and private collections worldwide.
Summary
A relief plaque affixed to the upper front of a two-sectioned base consisting of a stele atop a low pedestal. At the top of the relief plaque is a decorative garland-like element with the seal of the United States on the left side and the seal of Salem, Massachusetts on the right. At the left side of the plaque is the full-length profile of a soldier, dressed in a military uniform that includes a helmet, standing and holding a rifle in front of him with the barrel pointing upward. At the right of the plaque is the full-length profile of a sailor, dressed in military uniform that includes a cap, standing and holding a rifle in front of him with the barrel pointing upward. The central and largest area of the plaque contains the inscription.
Date
Ca. 1920
founder
T. F. McGann & Sons Company
Control number
IAS MA000034
Evert, Marilyn, "Discovering Pittsburgh's Sculpture," Pittsburgh, PA: University of Pittsburgh Press, 1983, pg.
Notes
Evert, Marilyn, "Discovering Pittsburgh's Sculpture," Pittsburgh, PA: University of Pittsburgh Press, 1983, pg. 147..
Save Outdoor Sculpture, Pennsylvania survey, 1995.
National Park Service, American Monuments and Outdoor Sculpture Database, PA0181, 1989.
Image on file.
Evert, Marilyn, "Discovering Pittsburgh's Sculpture," Pittsburgh, PA: University of Pittsburgh Press, 1983, pg. 155.
(Center stele, center:) In grateful recognition of/Patriotic Service given to/their country by men and/women of the seventeenth/ward in the world war 1917-1918 (Center stele, base:) Within this stone are imbedded the names of those/who served and those who made the supreme sacrifice (Left stele:) Meuse-Argonne/somme/St. Michiel (Right stele:) Chateau-Thierry/Belleau/Thiaucourt unsigned
The information provided about this artwork was compiled as part of the Smithsonian American Art Museum's Inventories of American Painting and Sculpture database, designed to provide descriptive and location information on artworks by American artists in public and private collections worldwide.
Summary
A group of three memorial steles installed across the corner of the fence at Carson and Tenth streets. The fence and steles make a semi-circle. A relief of a floating female figure appears on the center stele. The two flanking steles are inscribed with the names of battlefields where American soldiers lost their lives.
Date
1932. Installed 1932
architect
Roush, Stanley 1885-1946
sculptor
Aretz, Frank b. 1876
fabricator
Donatelli Granite Company
Control number
IAS 64480076
Save Outdoor Sculpture, Massachusetts survey, 1997.A granite stele featuring an allegorical female figure of Liberty with a torch raised in her proper right hand and an American flag in her proper left hand.
Notes
Save Outdoor Sculpture, Massachusetts survey, 1997.
Summary
A granite stele featuring an allegorical female figure of Liberty with a torch raised in her proper right hand and an American flag in her proper left hand. Flanking the stele are two smaller granite relief tablets featuring reliefs of a soldier and a sailor standing in profile with rifles held in front. Atop the stele is a bronze eagle with its wings spread atop a bronze globe.
Date
Dedicated June 1926
sculptor
Unknown
Control number
IAS MA001027
Save Outdoor Sculpture, North Carolina survey, 1994.Image on file.(Front of sculpture, lower proper right:) J. Maxwell Miller (Front of sculpture, lower proper left:) J. Arthur Limerick Co. Balto M.D.
Notes
Save Outdoor Sculpture, North Carolina survey, 1994.
Image on file.
(Front of sculpture, lower proper right:) J. Maxwell Miller (Front of sculpture, lower proper left:) J. Arthur Limerick Co. Balto M.D. (Above figure:) VALOR VICTORY/PATRIOTISM CHARITY (On shield:) GREATER LOVE HATH NO MAN THAN THIS THAT A MAN LAY DOWN HIS LIFE FOR HIS FRIENDS (followed by a list of 37 names) (Below feet of figure:) IN UNDYING MEMORY OF NEW HANOVER COUNTY'S/SACRIFICE OF NOBLE SONS IN THE CAUSE OF/LIBERTY AND HUMANITY IN THE GREAT WAR 1917-1918 (On front of stele, at bottom:) DULCE ET DECORUM EST/PRO PATRIA MORI signed Founder's mark appears.
The information provided about this artwork was compiled as part of the Smithsonian American Art Museum's Inventories of American Painting and Sculpture database, designed to provide descriptive and location information on artworks by American artists in public and private collections worldwide.
Summary
Upright stone stele containing an inset bronze panel depicting a female warrior in low relief. Figure wears close-fitting helmet with eagle on top, Classical robes and cape, and clasps a shield with the proper left hand. Shield tip rests on ground adjacent to proper left foot. In proper right hand, warrior holds sprigs of laurel against her breast; she gazes ahead with a solemn expression on her face.
Date
Cast 1922. Dedicated May 30, 1922
sculptor
Miller, Joseph Maxwell 1877-1933
founder
J. Arthur Limerick Company
Control number
IAS NC000010
Index of American Sculpture, University of Delaware, 1985The City of New York, Department of Parks, 1941.Save Outdoor Sculpture, New York, New York survey, 1992.Image on file.H A MacNeil Sculp MCMXXV (On sculpture:) THE WORLD WAR/IN MEMORY/OF THOSE WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES signedThe
Notes
Index of American Sculpture, University of Delaware, 1985
The City of New York, Department of Parks, 1941.
Save Outdoor Sculpture, New York, New York survey, 1992.
Image on file.
H A MacNeil Sculp MCMXXV (On sculpture:) THE WORLD WAR/IN MEMORY/OF THOSE WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES signed
The information provided about this artwork was compiled as part of the Smithsonian American Art Museum's Inventories of American Painting and Sculpture database, designed to provide descriptive and location information on artworks by American artists in public and private collections worldwide.
Summary
Winged female figure standing on her proper left foot holding a sword upward. There is a shield attached to her proper left forearm and she is cradling a large feathered of scaled object. Nearby, on both the right and the left side of the sculpture are benches. On back of the statue there is a depiction of the Liberty Bell and the engraved names of those who died.
Date
Dedicated in 1925
sculptor
MacNeil, Hermon A. 1866-1947
Control number
IAS 76003622
Save Outdoor Sculpture, New York, New York survey, 1994.Index of American Sculpture, University of Delaware, 1985The City of New York, Department of Parks, 1941.Charles Keck (On stele above niche:) IN HONOR OF/THE MEN OF THIS DISTRICT/WHO SERVED THEIR COUNTRY/IN THE WORLD WAR/191
Notes
Save Outdoor Sculpture, New York, New York survey, 1994.
Index of American Sculpture, University of Delaware, 1985
The City of New York, Department of Parks, 1941.
Charles Keck (On stele above niche:) IN HONOR OF/THE MEN OF THIS DISTRICT/WHO SERVED THEIR COUNTRY/IN THE WORLD WAR/1917 1918 (On right side of stele:) HINDENBURG LINE/ST MIHIEL MEUSEARGONNE (On left side of stele:) AISNE MARNE/CHATTEAU THIERRY/BELLEAU WOOD (On bronze podium:) THEY GAVE THEIR LIVES/IN THE CAUSE OF FREEDOM (list of names of men from the 61st district who died during World War I)/GREATER LOVE HATH NO MAN THAN THIS/THAT A MAN LAY DOWN HIS LIFE FOR HIS FRIENDS signed
The information provided about this artwork was compiled as part of the Smithsonian American Art Museum's Inventories of American Painting and Sculpture database, designed to provide descriptive and location information on artworks by American artists in public and private collections worldwide.
Summary
Polished granite stele with a bronze-lined niche in which a bronze female figure stands at a podium. The podium is inscribed with the names of the men who died during World War I. The figure's proper right hand rests on top of the podium with a bouquet of flowers. Her proper left hand is raised to her shoulder and holds a sword vertically. A butt of a rifle and a large chain appear at the base of the podium.
Date
Installed in 1922
sculptor
Keck, Charles 1875-1951
Control number
IAS 76003594
Save Outdoor Sculpture, New Jersey survey, 1995.Image on file.(On base of eternal flame:) I SOMETIMES THINK THAT NEVER BLOWS SO RED/THE ROSE AS WHERE SOME BURIED CAESAR BLED;/THAT EVERY HYACINTH THE GARDEN WEARS/DROPT IN ITS LAP FROM SOME ONCE LOVELY HEAD/OMAR KHAYYAM/BERGEN COUN
Notes
Save Outdoor Sculpture, New Jersey survey, 1995.
Image on file.
(On base of eternal flame:) I SOMETIMES THINK THAT NEVER BLOWS SO RED/THE ROSE AS WHERE SOME BURIED CAESAR BLED;/THAT EVERY HYACINTH THE GARDEN WEARS/DROPT IN ITS LAP FROM SOME ONCE LOVELY HEAD/OMAR KHAYYAM/BERGEN COUNTY VETERANS MEMORIAL COMMISSION/WOODY MATTHEWS CHAIRMAN/(first column of names) JOSEPH BARATTIA/DOMINICK BARBERA/PAUL BELAND/WALTER BRAY/MICHAEL BUCKLEY/ANTHONY D'ARMINIO/BOB JENKINS/(second column of names) HARRY KAZARIAN/JOHN RHATIGAN/PETER SARTHOU/MICHAEL SAWRUK/THEODORE STELTMANN/ALFRED THOMAS/ANDREW TORIGIAN/WITH ASSISTANCE FROM/WM. "PAT" SCHUBER WILLIAM D. McDOWELL/JACK TERHUNE ROBERT R. HERB/DEDICATED MAY 16, 1993
(On World War I stele:) VETERANS MEMORIAL/WORLD WAR I/1914 1918/IN FLANDERS FIELDS/IN FLANDERS FIELDS THE POPPIES/BLOW/BETWEEN THE CROSSES, ROW/ON ROW,/THAT MARK OUR PLACE AND/IN THE SKY/THE LARKS STILL BRAVELY/SINGING FLY,/SCARCE HEARD AMID THE/GUNS BELOW./WE ARE THE DEAD, SHORT/DAYS AGO/WE LIVED, FELT DAWN, SAW/SUNSET GLOW,/LOVED AND WERE LOVED,/AND NOW WE LIE/IN FLANDERS FIELDS.../COL. JOHN McCRAE
(On World War II stele:) VETERANS MEMORIAL/WORLD WAR II/1941 1945/"OUR SONS, PRIDE OF OUR NATION,/THIS DAY HAVE SET UPON A MIGHTY ENDEAVOR.../LEAD THEM STRAIGHT AND TRUE... THEIR ROAD/WILL BE LONG AND HARD... SOME WILL NEVER/RETURN... EMBRACE THEM FATHER.../AND RECEIVE THEM..."/PRESIDENT, FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT
(On Korean War stele:) VETERANS MEMORIAL/KOREAN WAR/1950 1953/DEDICATED IN HONOR TO THOSE WHO GAVE/THEIR LAST FULL MEASURE OF DEVOTION/FOR GOD AND COUNTRY/THEY SHALL NOT GROW OLD/AS WE THAT ARE LEFT GROW OLD/AGE SHALL NOT WEARY THEM/NOR THE YEARS CONDEMN/AT THE GOING DOWN OF THE SUN/AND IN THE MORNING/WE WILL REMEMBER THEM
(On Vietnam War stele:) VETERANS MEMORIAL/VIETNAM WAR/1961 1975/"I THINK YOU OUGHT TO KNOW, DEAR BROTHERS, ABOUT THE HARD TIME/WE WENT THROUGH IN ASIA, WE WERE REALLY CRUSHED AND OVERWHELMED/AND FEARED WE WOULD NEVER LIVE THROUGH IT. WE FELT WE WERE DOOMED/TO DIE AND SAW HOW POWERLESS WE WERE TO HELP OURSELVES; BUT THAT/WAS GOOD, FOR THEN WE PUT EVERYTHING INTO THE HANDS OF GOD---/WHO ALONE COULD SAVE US."/2 CORINTHIANS 1: 8-10
(On Beirut stele:) VETERANS MEMORIAL/BEIRUT/"AS I WEPT INSIDE, I ASKED, 'LORD, WHERE/DID WE GET SUCH MEN?' AND I WAS REMINDED/IF A NATION IS TO BE GREAT, IF A NATION/TRULY IS TO BE THE LAND OF THE FREE. THAT/IT ALSO MUST BE THE HOME OF THE BRAVE."/GENERAL - P. X. KELLEY/COMMANDANT - MARINE CORPS.
(On Desert Storm stele:) VETERANS MEMORIAL/DESERT STORM/AMERICAN VETERANS HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO THE REVERSAL OF A BRUTAL/AGGRESSION AND OCCUPATION OF SISTERLY KUWAIT./I WOULD LIKE TO TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO ACKNOWLEDGE/THEIR SUPPORT. IT IS MY HOPE THAT THIS MEMORIAL WILL FOREVER/PRESERVE THE NOBLE ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE MANY MEN AND WOMEN/WHO SACRIFICED THEIR LIVES FOR THE CAUSE OF FREEDOM./BANDAR BIN SULTAN BIN ABDULAZIZ/AMBASSADOR-SAUDI ARABIA/TO THE-UNITED STATES
(On bottom right of airplane steles:) JENNY THUNDERBOLT FLYING FORTRESS SABRE HUEY STEALTH Founder's mark appears.
The information provided about this artwork was compiled as part of the Smithsonian American Art Museum's Inventories of American Painting and Sculpture database, designed to provide descriptive and location information on artworks by American artists in public and private collections worldwide.
Summary
Six steles commemorating World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, Beirut and Desert Storm, arch around a flagpole and eternal flame situated in a landscaped plot edged with curbing. The eternal flame is mounted on a block base with a sloping front, with quote from Omar Khayyam. The front of each stele contains an image, quote, and military insignia, flanked by a pair of engaged columns which support a projecting cornice. A fighter plane or helicopter associated with each conflict is depicted on the rear of the steles. Those depicted are, the Jenny, Flying Fortress, Thunderbolt, Sabre, Huey and Stealth.
The World War I stele depicts a rifle planted in the ground amidst flowers with a soldier's helmet and dog tags hanging from the rifle butt. Colonel John McCrae's poem, "In Flanders Fields" appears. The World War II stele contains an eagle with wings spread and claws open in a landing position and an excerpt from a speech given by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The Korean War stele shows a map of North and South Korea divided by the 38th parallel, and a poem. The Vietnam War stele depicts three soldiers wearing combat uniforms, one toting a machine gun on his shoulder and one carrying a rifle, superimposed on a map of Vietnam. A verse from 2 Corinthians 1: 8-10 appears below the image. The Beirut stele shows the backside of a soldier in uniform and helmet walking towards a cross and gravestones, as a peace dove with olive branch in mouth descends. Below this is a quote from General P. X. Kelley, Commandant of the Marine Corps. An American flag is shown on the Desert Storm stele above a quote from Bandar Bin Sultan Bin Abdulaziz, Saudi Arabian Ambassador to the United States. Each stele is mounted on a slab base with rough-hewn sides.
Date
Dedicated May 16, 1993 or May 16, 1994
fabricator
American Monument Company
Bergen County Memorials
Control number
IAS NJ000460

Our collection database is a work in progress. We may update this record based on further research and review. Learn more about our approach to sharing our collection online.

If you would like to know how you can use content on this page, see the Smithsonian's Terms of Use. If you need to request an image for publication or other use, please visit Rights and Reproductions.