Monuments to our local veterans: 1924 to 2022
There are likely will be few people if any who will attend the Kenilworth VFW Veterans Day program this coming November 11, who know about the history of the veteran monuments adjoining the Veterans Center on So., 21st St. That history dates back 98 years.
In May 1924 the Rotary Club donated a bronze plaque to VFW Post 2230 to honor local residents who served in WWI. When accepted by the VFW there was no stone monument upon which to place it. The local Citizens League approached the school board for approval to erect a stone monument on school grounds. On June 6, 1924, the board granted approval.
Local resident and architect Joseph A. Bailey designed a monument with a stone base shaped like a star that supported a seven-foot obelisk. In 1928 it was erected on the lawn between the old McKinley School and Harding School. The bronze plaque donated four years earlier was secured upon the obelisk. That the monument was the local gathering place for Veterans Day and Memorial Day services honoring Kenilworth heroes until May 1959.
The old monument had insufficient room to post the names of local veterans who perished in WWII and Korea. A decision was made to erect a larger monument in the park adjacent to the Kenilworth Veterans Center on S. 21st St. to recognize the sacrifices of veterans of WWI, WWII, and Korea who perished as a result of serving in those wars. The new, much taller obelisk, was dedicated on September 19, 1959 with much fanfare. A big Boulevard parade concluded with a large assemblage of veterans, residents, and local officials who gathered around the new S. 21st St monument. The crowd heard speeches and witnessed the unveiling of the new monument. The original 1924 bronze plaque is on display in the Kennedy Room of the Veterans Center.
In 2003 the Kenilworth Veterans Center, at a cost of nearly $60,000, added three large granite markers, each one dedicated to the memories of those who served and perished as a result of service during WWI, WWII, and Korea. Landscaping, pavers, and other improvements were made at the time.
In 2011, the park was named “The Robert E. Jeans, Sr. Veterans Memorial Park” to recognize the dedicated and unwavering service of VFW Post 2230 Commander Robert E. Jeans, Sr., in revitalizing the post and for his ongoing leadership. A decorated, purple heart, Vietnam War veteran, Sgt. Jeans continues to serve as post commander.
Commander Jeans has extended an invitation to all residents to attend the outdoor service at 11:00 a.m. on November 11. In event of inclement weather, the program will be held inside the Veterans Center. Complimentary refreshments will be provided following the program.
Research provided by Walter E. Boright, Ed. D., historian, and Historic Signs, Inc.
Photo sources: Historic Signs, Inc. Persons with inquiries about this or other aspects of Kenilworth history may contact Dr. Boright at drbori@aol.comor 908-256-5200.
