Taking a Look Inside Bridgeport's Proposed Veterans Memorial
By Julie Perine on October 19, 2014 via Connect-Bridgeport.com
The proposed new Veterans Memorial to be located along East Main Street features tall slender pylons surrounding a 25-foot American flag at the center point. The architectural handiwork of Richard Forren, senior project architect at Omni Associates, the memorial has been designed as a place of honor and reverence.
The circular shape encompasses a theme combining “Unity of Cause,” “Strength of Conviction” and “Protection of the American People.” The five individual granite pylons represent each of the five major branches of service: Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines and Coast Guard.
A 36-year member of the U.S. Air Force Reserves, Forren utilized some personal insight in the memorial design.
At a Bridgeport City Council work session which preceded Monday night’s Council meeting, Councilor John Wilson described the memorial design as outstanding.
"I was impressed with the clean design - not cluttered," he said. "... It will be a focal point for current residents and visitors alike to remember/honor those from Bridgeport that have served our nation."
Important in the "Quality of Life" motto which the city promotes are inclusion, service to others and remembrance, Wilson said.
"This memorial ties all three together," he said. "It is the right project, the right time and the right place!"
Councilors expressed that the design is a thoughtful one, down to the last detail. The pristine white pylons represent the purity of heart by which the military protects our country. The rough outer texture of the pylon represents the individual nature of recruits before they are honed into a disciplined force represented by the smooth polished finish of the interior face.
The sacrifices of the service members and their families will be honored by the simple phrase: “All Gave Some; Some Gave All.”
The walls between the pylons have the capacity to bear the names of all Bridgeport residents who are currently serving or have served in the military during both war and peace.
Should the design be adopted by Council and they move forward with the $125,000 proposed project, a designated committee will iron down some details, including how veterans’ names will be displayed.
Options, Forren said, include plaques and bricks. If the latter method is chosen, the city may approach the project as a brick sale whereas individuals can purchase the bricks to bear names of veterans connected to Bridgeport.
Not built into the current cost, but certainly an element which would add greatly to the memorial, is lighting. There was discussion Monday night as to some ideas which would adequately light and accent the memorial site.
Forren added that there would be adequate parking, including handicap-accessible parking, at the site.
If the project moves forward, the construction of the memorial could start as early as Spring 2015.
