VETERANS' MEMORIAL

Hartford Launches Fundraising Campaign for Second Veterans Monument Honoring Veterans of the Korean, Vietnam and Post-1975 Eras

HARTFORD, VT — Building on the success of Hartford’s first veterans monument, a dedicated group of residents has launched a new fundraising campaign to create a second monument in Veterans Park on Railroad Row. This new installation will honor local veterans who served during the Korean, Vietnam and post-1975 eras.

The original monument, honoring WWI and WWII veterans, was unveiled on Memorial Day 2024 thanks to widespread community support. Since then, many Hartford residents have expressed a strong desire for a second monument to recognize later generations of veterans whose service has not yet been formally honored.

The new monument will match the original in design—constructed of granite with bronze plaques—and will be placed about 40 feet beyond the first. It will include the last remaining cast iron eagle from Hartford’s original WWI memorial, generously donated by the Hartford Historical Society. A surrounding brick path will feature engraved honor bricks available for tribute to veterans or other special individuals.

The total project cost is just over $70,000. With major support already secured from the Jack and Dorothy Byrne Foundation and pledges of donated labor from local contractors, the committee now aims to raise the final $30,000 needed to bring the project to completion.

The fundraising campaign runs through August 31, 2025. Community members can contribute in several ways:

• Mail a check made out to the Hartford Historical Society to:
  Treasurer – Monument Committee
  253 Lower Hyde Park
  White River Junction, VT 05001

• Donate online at: https://gofund.me/945d1171

• Sponsor an Honor Brick in the monument walkway—dedicated to a veteran or someone special—at: http://www.fundraisingbrick.com/hmp/

Donations may be tax-deductible and go through the Hartford Historical Society, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN: 03-0309341). Every contribution supports the construction, installation, and ongoing care of the monument. For more information, contact the Hartford Monument Committee at ww1monument@gmail.com

Together, we can ensure that all eras of service are recognized and remembered.