May 7, 2021
See related article here: Governor Phil Murphy asks for help to identify vandals who damaged WWII Memorial so they can be brought to justice.
By: Tyler Eckel
TRENTON (MERCER)– The “Fallen Soldier Battlefield Cross” at the World War II at Veterans Park on West State Street has been repaired today.
The damage was discovered just over a week ago by a member of a local Facebook group, where they shared it to its members. It appeared that vandals knocked over the Battle Cross, breaking the bronze piece weighing hundreds of pounds from its weld at the base.
Repairs were conducted by Chora Leone Gallery located in Somers Point, NJ.
No arrests have been made in the mischievous act. Anyone with any information as to who the suspects may be are asked to contact the Trenton Police Department.
According to Wikipedia, The Fallen Soldier Battle Cross, Battlefield Cross or Battle Cross is a symbolic replacement of a cross, or marker appropriate to an individual service-member’s religion, on the battlefield or at the base camp for a soldier who has been killed. It is made up of the soldier’s rifle stuck into the ground or into the soldier’s boots, with helmet on top. Dog tags are sometimes placed on the rifle, and the boots of the dead soldier can be placed next to the rifle. The purpose is to show honor and respect for the dead at the battle site. The practice started during or prior to the American Civil War, as a means of identifying the bodies on the battleground before removal. Today, it is a means of showing respect for the dead amongst the still living members of the troop. It is commonly seen in the field or base camp after a battle, especially among American troops in Afghanistan or Iraq. While it is used less today as a means of identification, it still serves as a method of mourning among the living, as attending the funeral is not always possible for soldiers still in combat.
NJ World War II Memorial Page:
The State of New Jersey has taken the initiative to honor and remember our “Greatest Generation” of citizens by creating a memorial in Trenton across from the State House at Veterans Park.
Fittingly, the theme for New Jersey’s World War II Memorial is “Victory.” The memorial honors and pays tribute to the courage and the many sacrifices of the World War II Generation. Over 560,000 New Jerseyans served in the armed forces and the state was an important center of industrial production, military training and related activities in support of the war effort.
The Memorial is accessible at all hours at 125 W. State Street, Trenton, NJ 08608.
Photos by Brian McCarthy, OnScene News