plaque now honors all who served

By Patricia Platt

A World War I monument, designed by Alfredo Taylor and erected on Norfolk’s Memorial Green in 1921, bears the inscription, “for those who gave and those who offered their lives for liberty, the people of Norfolk have built this monument and crowned it with the Liberty Bell.” Seventy-nine men and one woman from Norfolk served in WWI from 1917-1918; eight soldiers lost their lives.

The Norfolk Community Association (NCA) recently completed a renovation of the monument and will hold a relighting ceremony on Veterans Day at 4 p.m., to which everyone in town is invited, says Barry Webber, co-president of the NCA. Richard
Byrne, a veteran, will be Master of Ceremonies. Theodore Marolda Sr., a WWII veteran who served at Guadalcanal, will say a few words and John Thew, also a WWII veteran, will switch the lights on. Rev. Eric Olsen will give the benediction and Taps will be played by John and Sara Allyn.

Doreen Kelly, co-president of the NCA, explained, “The relighting ceremony will mark the culmination of the restoration that took place in three phases of work over four years. The NCA spearheaded the project, raised funds from local donors, obtained private and state grants and hired skilled art restoration professionals.”

In the first phase, eight evergreen trees honoring the eight fallen WWI soldiers were replanted around the monument. The second phase involved cleaning the stonework and restoring the bronze elements. During the restoration, the name of John Baily, an African-American resident of Norfolk who served in the Army’s supply division, was added to the list of those who served.

The design and installation of a complex and eco-friendly lighting system completed the final phase of renovation. Kevin Fucus, principal of the veteran-owned firm Polaris Lighting Design, said, “Our design philosophy focuses on honoring both the architectural integrity and the solemn purpose of this memorial.”

The lighting scheme employs nine fixtures that are strategically placed to create an interplay of light and shadow, while avoiding light pollution in surrounding areas. Fucus added, “The lower portion of the memorial is subtly illuminated, while the upper section features more dramatic lighting to symbolize the conflict’s intensity.” First Selectman Matt Riiska assured that the lighting adheres to the same night sky standards as the library and town lights.

The trees will be illuminated from Veterans Day until the end of the holiday season, and the monument will remain lit from dusk to dawn throughout the year. Riiska emphasized, “Honoring our veterans and maintaining the memorials is a very important part of our society. We should be thankful every day that so many have stepped up to protect our freedoms.”