2024 rehabilitation of the
war memorial
honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice for us all
The Delaware River and Bay Authority (DRBA) has announced that the iconic War Memorial Monument at Veterans Memorial Park adjacent to the Delaware Memorial Bridge will undergo an extensive renovation beginning on or about June 1, 2024. The project includes replacing the underlying concrete structure and expanding the wall names to include servicemen and women from New Jersey and Delaware who died serving the United States in all wars and conflicts from World War II to the present. The cost of the work is approximately $5 million.
The project plan includes reintroducing the circular plaza design, increasing the plaza area, and the lawn plus the expansion of the monument to display nearly 20,000 names from WWII through subsequent wars on metal plaques. Additional project details include replacing all existing flagpoles, adding one for Space Force, and removing the reflecting pool to accommodate space for programming needs.
“We are proud to maintain the Veterans Memorial Park as a peaceful spot for remembrance and reflection... It is truly humbling to be reminded that nearly 20,000 local heroes paid the ultimate sacrifice... for the freedoms that we enjoy every day.”
Tom Cook, Executive Director, Delaware River and Bay Authority
“We are proud to maintain the Veterans Memorial Park as a peaceful spot for remembrance and reflection,” said DRBA Executive Director Thomas J. Cook. “The proposed design reintroduces the circular plaza, increases the plaza area, the monument, and the lawn to accommodate current and future programming needs. It is truly humbling to be reminded that nearly 20,000 local heroes paid the ultimate sacrifice in these global conflicts for the freedoms that we enjoy every day.”
The annual Veterans Day service will take place as scheduled on November 11. Construction activity will be suspended on or before October 25, 2024 to allow for the Authority’s maintenance department to prepare for the event. During active construction, the public will not be able to access portions of the Memorial grounds that will be cordoned off for project.
Originally constructed in 1955, the War Memorial Monument pays tribute to soldiers from New Jersey and Delaware who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country in World War II and the Korean War. In 1996, the War Memorial Monument grounds were modified from the original circular form to its current octagonal form, the addition of service branch flags, and the insertion of a reflecting pool.
Renderings of the new war memorial
seeking public input
The DRBA seeks the public's input and assistance to ensure that all soldiers from Delaware and New Jersey who perished in conflicts after the Korean War are properly honored and represented on the new War Memorial Wall.
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