The Veterans of Stephentown have announced plans to install a “Fallen Soldier Monument” in the Stephentown Veterans Park located on Route 43. This monument, also known as a “Battle Cross”, has been used most recently to honor those who have fallen in Iraq and Afghanistan, but it also memorializes all those who have fallen in battle during US conflicts throughout the years.
This monument will comprise a “life size” replica of a pair of combat boots, rifle, helmet, and dog tags, all made of bronze. A U.S. Army Field Manual section on memorial ceremonies indicates that, “The helmet and identification tags signify the dead soldier. The inverted rifle with bayonet signals a time for prayer, a break in the action to pay tribute to our comrade. The combat boots represent the final march of the last battle.”
A bronze plaque will accompany the monument recognizing all branches of the service. The monument will be installed on a stone foundation at the Stephentown Veterans Park.
Funds to build and install this new addition to the Veterans Park will be raised through community donations and several fund raising activities during the next several months. The cost is approximately $7,000. A tentative date to unveil the monument will be at the Veterans Day ceremony in 2017.
If you would like to help the vets reach their goal, you can send a donation to the Stephentown Veterans, PO Box 612, Stephentown, NY 12168.
