Memorial Day’s deep-rooted connection with Jersey City
A Brief Overview of Memorial Day
The origin of Memorial Day began 160 years ago to the aftermath of the American Civil War when communities began honoring fallen soldiers by decorating their graves with flowers and flags. General Order Number 11 was issued by Commander in Chief John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic, designated May 30th as a Decoration Day
"..for the purpose of strewing flowers or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village, and hamlet churchyard in the land."
May 30th was chosen as it was the optimal time of year for flowers to bloom, decoration for the graves on what later became “Memorial Day”. While both Memorial Day and Veterans Day honor America's troops, Veterans Day was intended to celebrate the safe return of our troops while Memorial Day is meant to be a somber remembrance for those who died in service.
"There is hardly a citizen in Jersey City who will ever forget the glowing tribute paid to the homecoming soldiers and the glorious welcome home celebrations given by the city officials. Early in the morning and late at night, you would find the Commissioners on board the little steamer engaged to meet the incoming steamers and giving the war-scarred fighters their first greeting as they once again touched home soil.
The former Jersey City Armory during an early 20th century parade.
Until World War I, Memorial Day, or Decoration Day, as noted above, was only meant to honor those who died while fighting for the Union in the Civil War, as Southern states honored their war dead on a separate day. After the 116,000-plus American deaths in World War I, the day of commemoration took on a new role to remember all who had died while serving in the military. With each new generation of soldiers who died in subsequent conflicts or while serving their country, citizens adapted their rituals to recognize their sacrifices.
“When it came to the Civil War, Jersey City was well represented. It is estimated that one man from every five went to the war from the district now included in the city. The battle of Antietam, the deadliest one-day battle in American military history, left eleven families in a single block along fifth street mourning for dead heroes.”
Jersey City's Historical Role in Military Conflicts
Jersey City has a rich history when it comes to war and military conflicts. During the American Civil War, Jersey City served as a major transportation hub for troops and supplies headed to the front lines. In World War I, the city's shipyards played an important role in the war effort by producing and repairing military vessels and was the target for the first act of espionage on American soil. During World War II, the city served as a critical transportation link for soldiers and supplies, and was a major training center for soldiers. In addition to its contributions to the country's military efforts,
Indeed, Jersey City's contributions were well represented and will never be forgotten.
Jersey City’s Connection to the Civil War
During the Civil War, it's believed that one out of every five men from the Jersey City went off to fight proudly demonstrating the city’s unwavering support for the nation. A national call for troops at a temporary enlistment center at Hudson House on Grand Street was created and the response was swift and unwavering. From these volunteers the Second Regiment was entirely made up from Jersey City residents. Some local business people provided funds for their uniforms when troops were first called upon. A camp for New Jersey soldiers was set up west of the reservoir and used until the war's end. No matter where they served, the soldiers from Jersey City and the rest of NJ earned the reputation as the "True Blues of Jersey."
World War II and Caven Point Jersey City
In the early 20th century, the Caven Point Army Depot stood proudly on Jersey City's tidal flats, serving as a vital US Army installation until the 1970s. Its strategic location near essential rail networks and ports in New York and New Jersey made it an indispensable hub for assembling troops, munitions, and supplies destined for European front lines during both World Wars.
At the height of WWII, Caven Point became a crucial launch point for thousands of American soldiers heading off to battle overseas as well as the place countless American service members returning from war set foot on American Soil, passing through Jersey City before using its extensive rail connections to send them home. Simultaneously, it played a vital role on the home front as a central processing site for captured German and Italian prisoners of war. As peace was restored, this versatile installation
In the years following WWII, Caven Point shifted its focus to becoming a dedicated troop facility. Its impressive finger pier transformed into a storage area for US Army & Military Sea Transport Service troopships during their downtime. This depot continued to serve its nation throughout the Korean and Vietnam Wars and even acted as a transfer point for US personnel returning from overseas posts amid the tensions of the Cold War.
"We do not know one promise these men made, one pledge they gave, one word they spoke, but we do know they summed up and perfected, by one supreme act, the highest virtues of men and citizens."
-Spoken by former Union General and future US President James Garfield during a speech at Arlington National Cemetery
Jersey City’s Connection to Memorial Day
Through the evolution of Memorial Day celebrations we can see how traditions have shifted while maintaining a solid connection to honoring those who sacrificed their lives to defend freedom. In Jersey City, the evolution of Memorial Day celebrations can be traced through various historical events and changing customs. In the late 19th century, Memorial Day parades were a common way for residents to commemorate the sacrifices of fallen soldiers. Many families would participate in these processions, featuring marching bands and veterans groups wearing their military uniforms.
By the early 20th century, Jersey City's Memorial Day celebrations had expanded to include more community-oriented festivities alongside solemn ceremonies. Local schools, clubs, and other organizations participated in parades, picnics were organized in parks, and speeches emphasized patriotism and paying tribute to those who served.Today's celebrations remind future generations about the importance of remembering and appreciating all those who have given their lives in service to our country.
"Candy, apples, oranges, and cigarettes were furnished to the returning heroes. Once more, Jersey City became famed throughout the land for the great demonstrations she was giving the boys as they arrived off the Jersey coast. Aerial bombs, bands of music, and the mothers and fathers of the boys were on hand to give them their first welcome home. All well remember the parades in their honor and the decorations along the streets."
Memorial Day - Preserving Jersey City’s History and Connecting our Community
Memorial Day is a day of remembrance and honor for those who have served in the United States Armed Forces. It is also a time to reflect on the history of our country, and to come together as a community to celebrate our shared heritage. Through ceremonies, parades, and other activities, as residents we come together to recognize the sacrifices made by those who have served in the military and commemorate their legacy.
As we look towards the future of Jersey City’s history, it is important that we remember what has been lost while celebrating what remains.Memorial Day provides an opportunity for citizens of all backgrounds to connect with one another through shared experiences and memories; an opportunity for members of our community to remember their past, honor their present, and plan for their future. Simultaneously we are teaching future generations the importance of remembering the sacrifices made by members of our community and our county.
Monuments and Memorials in Jersey City
In recent decades, Jersey City has continued to honor its fallen heroes on Memorial Day with gatherings at veterans' monuments and cemeteries around town. Tributes and remembrances can be found throughout the city and have played a unique role in the history of the nation's military.
Pershing Field Memorial Park
Pershing Field Memorial Park, named afterGeneral John. J. Pershing, was opened in 1922 and dedicated in 1923 to commemorate the soldiers from Jersey City who lost their love during WWI, Previously used as a WWI military training ground, Pershing Field Memorial Park spans 13.5 acres and is one of the largest of Jersey City's over forty municipally-run parks and playgrounds. "the war to end all wars."
At the parks entrance from Summit Avenue, you will see a large arch of reddish sandstone – the only remnant of the Fourth Regiment Armory building that once stood at Montgomery Street and Bergen Avenue. Reconstructed from the only ruins left from the armory building that was destroyed in 1927. Stone Plaques bearing the names of the Veterans from World War I and II line the parks walking paths.
America Triumphant Monument
Standing eight feet tall, a life-size bronze figure of a woman, her arms filled with laurels, honors the 147 soldiers from Jersey City who perished in WWI. The figure dons a cloak of stars and stripes, her head wrapped by a wreath of glory, and has folded arms holding a sword and shield.
Vietnam War Memorial
"Honor The Dead & Fight For The Living"
Dedicated by the Vietnam Veterans Committee on Memorial Day 2001, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Pershing Field Memorial Park honors Jersey City's 133 men and women who served in the Vietnam War. Sixty-three lost their lives in battle, while nine others died while returning home from the war. A previous Vietnam veterans memorial in the Heights was dedicated in 1986. Other commemorative monuments to US military personnel are the Korean War memorial.
Dr. Leonard J.Gordon Park
Dough Boy
Along Kennedy Blvd., high atop the hill of Dr. Leonard J. Gordon Park, is a silent sentinel watching over the heights. This bronze watchman, eternally on patrol, commemorates the fallen of the First World War. On November 9th, 1930, the Hudson City Soldiers and Sailors Welfare League, Inc. placed this World War I memorial statue called "Dough Boy" in the park.
Sipnick Memorial
Installed by the Jewish War Veterans Association, the Sipnick Memorial was created in memory of Raymond Sipnick, a Jersey City resident and soldier who fought and died during World War II. A bronze eagle was crafted and mounted on the war memorial’s granite shaft but was stolen in 1974 and has been missing since. Originally located on the triangle of the Newark Ave and Kennedy Boulevard intersection, the statue and its plaque were moved with the installation of a new intersection and are all that remain of Memorial Triangle. "Honoring memory of those who made the supreme sacrifice in all wars of our country."
Lincoln Park
Civil War Memorial
“In Memory of the soldiers of Jersey City who fought in the war of the Rebellion”
Springfield rifle in hand, this bronze soldier in Jersey City's Lincoln Park depicts a marching Civil War Soldier. Dedicated on May 28th 1926, this 9 foot high sculpture was a gift of Edward J. Donnelly, a sergeant in the 5th New Jersey Volunteer Infantry who saw action in the Siege of Petersburg before returning home to Jersey City in 1864.
U.S.S. Maine Memorial Marker
In Memoriam U.S.S. Maine Destroyed in Havana Harbor February 15, 1898. One of About 1,000 markers that were made from metal salvaged from the U.S.S. Maine and distributed throughout the country. This series also includes other remnants from the battleship that became the rallying cry in the Spanish-American War.
Other Monuments and Statues Around Jersey City
Korean War Memorial
Lt. Robert P. Grover Memorial Park: Broadman Parkway and JFK Boulevard
The Lieutenant Robert P. Grover Memorial Park, slightly less than one hundred sq. feet, is the memorial built to honor the memory of Lieutenant Robert P. Grover, the first Jewish serviceman from Jersey City to die in combat during World War II. In 2016, Stephen Wagner learned he was the great-nephew of Lt. Grover and set out with his family to host a cleanup of the park each year before Veteran's Day.
Korean War Veterans Memorial Monument
The Korean War Veterans Memorial monument is located on the Hudson River Waterfront Walkway in Paulus Hook and is part of the Morris Canal portion of Liberty State Park. It pays tribute to Hudson County residents who died in the Korean War.
Sgt. Joseph Anthony Memorial Park
The park, located on Palisade Avenue, is named for Sgt. Joseph Anthony, an Army Air Corps pilot killed in the Pacific Ocean during World War II after his plane went down during combat. A graduate of Dickinson Highschool, Sgt Anthony was a great baseball player, a left-handed pitcher, he passed up contract offers with the Dodgers and Giants to enlist in the military. Sgt. Anthony was honored posthumously with the Distinguished Flying Cross flying 39 missions aboard a B-29 bomber throughout his career. The park is close to Anthony's former home in the Country Village neighborhood and is dedicated to honoring all veterans.
Purple Heart Memorial: Journal Square
The Purple Heart Memorial for Jersey City war veterans honors those who served in the armed forces. The monument includes the names of World War II, Korean War, and other war veterans. It is located in Heroes Park, a city-owned municipal park. Unveiled on August 7th, 2004, the Purple Heart Memorial honors the nation's oldest military decoration recipients.
Bayview – New York Bay Cemetery
Bayview-New York Cemetery, previously called Greenville Cemetery, is located in the Greenville Section of Jersey City near Danforth Station.
A memorial to the Grand Army of the Republic, there are various plots and markings that honor fallen heroes situated around the Cemetary. Walking through you might find a commonwealth war grave of a WWI Seamean of the Royal Naval volunteer Reserve, the Monument and plot of Van Houten Post #3 and Ladies Relief Post #16 and 44 other war graves including William Winterbottom, Medal of Honor recipient.
Monument and plot of Van Houten Post #3 and Ladies Relief Post #16, 44 graves including William Winterbottom, Medal of Honor recipient.
Soldiers and Sailors Monument, Goddess of Victory bronze: City Hall
Unveiled on Memorial Day in 1899, the Soldiers, Sailors, and Marines memorial stands proudly outside City Hall as a tribute to the Civil War heroes from Hudson County. Also known as the Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument, this stunning creation by Philip Martiny captures the bold figure of the Goddess of Peace. Adorned with a helmet and draped in a flowing robe, the bronze statue grasps a sword in her left hand while extending an olive branch with her right. A panel comprising renowned artists such as Augustus Saint Gaudens, Daniel Chester French, and George B. Post chose Martiny's design out of many submissions in 1899. As a result of his success, Martiny received $10,000 for his exquisite sculpture. In contrast, architects Ackerman & Ross were awarded $2,500 for designing the beautifully landscaped entrance at City Hall, where the monument now resides.
Martyniak-Enright Park
Dedicated with a parade in 1947 to Pvt. John Enright and Sgt. Milton Martyniak, casualties of WWII who had both resided at the same home on neighboring Pamrapo Avenue. “This park is dedicated to peace” - Deputy Mayor William Flanagan. Around 500 people attended a ceremony held at Lady of Czec. Roman Catholic Church in their honor. Private John Enright, a graduate of Snyder High School and served for three years before he was killed. Sergeant Milton Martynink joined the army in the year leading up to Pearl Harbor and was killed a year after Pvt. John Enright. At the time the park was built it included
Riverview Parks WWI Monument
Dedicated in 1922 and located on the corner of Bowers Street and Palisades Avenue, this monument of an eagle with it’s wings spread open honors the soldiers and sailors of old Hudson City who fought during World War I.
