Always Remembering The Dedication, Valor Of Bristol's Soldiers

The Bristol Press

September 30, 2021

Beginning in January, the eight monthly articles commemorating the Centennial Anniversary of the Veterans Memorial Boulevard were initiated with the founding of the Downs Grist Mill in 1749. Little did the first settlers within our community realize that the land they were using, as the lifeblood of a fledgling community, would eventually become the eastern gateway of the stately Veterans Memorial Boulevard. The mill was taken down in 1921, so that the eastern end of the boulevard could be completed.

In 1919, Albert F. Rockwell, a true city benefactor, quitclaimed to the city, for one dollar, land on South Street for the building of a new high school and the construction of what would become the Veterans Memorial Boulevard. He provided extensive financial support, as well as lending his management leadership to both projects. The Memorial Boulevard was dedicated on Armistice Day, Nov. 21, 1921. The new Bristol High School opened in September of 1922.

The fourth article detailed the planning, construction, dedication, and festivities surrounding the Soldiers’ Memorial Monument, later to become known as the World War I Monument. This memorial was designed by Bristol architect Lieutenant Harold A. Hayden, who had served overseas during the war. Located at the intersection of Mellon Street and the boulevard, the dedication pageantry was held on Seicheprey Day, April 19, 1924.

Articles five through seven provided a description of The Veterans Memorial Park, which was dedicated on Memorial Day 1973. This beautifully landscaped area is one of the largest war tribute parks in the country. A detailed description of all the monuments and memorials was included. The southern side, known as the Memorial Side, is dedicated to those soldiers who died while serving. The Commemorative Side, the northern section adjacent to the Pequabuck River, honors all men and women who have entered our country’s military service since colonial times.

Article eight, entitled “What and Why War”, is named for a poem written by my mother, Cecelia Elizabeth Carroll Dickau. The poem describes from a child’s perspective the significance that war has in the lives of individuals and families, even at a young age.

The trauma of war reaches far back into the fabric of our families, community and country. It is through this lens that the true significance of the Veterans Memorial Boulevard and Park should be viewed. Five significant wars and/or conflicts in which Bristol military service were required illustrated how family and community were affected: The Revolutionary War; the Civil War; World War I; World War II and the Vietnam War. Many soldiers returned with emotional or physical injuries which will be experienced for the the remainder of their lives.

The Veterans Memorial Boulevard and Park are certainly about the dedication and valor of our community’s soldiers, but it also concerns the emotions and involvement of families, as well as the concerned generous spirit of our community, sacrificing and giving so that the freedom we cherish can be maintained.

Editorial note: While writing this series of articles, I have conversed with many individuals and families that have suffered through the trauma of war. Some of the discussions centered as far back to relatives lost during World War I. I have been deeply moved by their emotions and feelings and have personally acquired a greater sense of appreciation for the significance of the Veterans Memorial Boulevard and Park.

Whether engaged in combat; losing a friend or loved one during battle; interacting with the emotionally or physically scarred returnees; being employed in war production industrial efforts; sacrificing during rationing; buying or selling war bonds or stamps or serving other war needs, most city residents have felt the presence of war during their lifetime.

On Saturday Oct. 16 (rain date Oct. 17) from 1 to 5 p.m., the City of Bristol, its Parks, Recreation, Youth & Community Services Department, the Bristol Historical Society, along with the Bristol Veterans Council, Memorial Military Museum, and many volunteers are collaboratively presenting a Centennial Anniversary Program of the Veterans Memorial Boulevard (1921 – 2021) on site. This is a time for all to honor those that have unselfishly served our country! It is also an opportunity to expand our appreciation and knowledge of the Veterans Memorial Boulevard and Park. Children’s activities are planned, and it will be a wonderful opportunity to educate our youth regarding the sacrifice made to preserve their freedom.

The program will include musical performances; in depth presentations of each memorial describing its significance; a children’s scavenger hunt; the opportunity to meet and talk with a reenactor of Albert F. Rockwell, as well as to learn about the development of the Memorial Boulevard Intradistrict Magnet School. There will be autos from the Bristol Auto Club from the 1920’s to the present enhancing the historical timeline. More detailed information will be published prior to the celebration. A special thank you to Michael Schroeder and James Drzewiecki of the Bristol Press for publishing these articles leading up to the park’s Centennial Celebration.

The Bristol Historical Society will also be selling their Annual Holiday ornament, which depicts the 100th Anniversary of the Veterans Memorial Boulevard. The ornaments sell for $15, and can also be purchased at City True Value on Farmington Avenue.