The Doughboy Foundation’s mission is to keep the story of "the War that Changed the World" in the minds of all Americans, so that the 4.7 million who served in the U.S. Armed Forces during WWI will never again be relegated to the mists of obscurity. LEARN MORE
The Doughboy Foundation’s mission is to keep the story of "the War that Changed the World" in the minds of all Americans, so that the 4.7 million who served in the U.S. Armed Forces during WWI will never again be relegated to the mists of obscurity. LEARN MORE
This is a large rectangular box-shaped stone slab, perhaps made of limestone. It is mounted on a plinth, and has bronze plaques depicting images of cannon and flags with inscriptions honoring the citizens of Ridgefield who served in the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, the Mexican War, the Spanish-American War, and World War I. It was dedicated on July 4, 1925.
A life-sized bronze statue of a soldier stands on a multi-stage granite base with four large upright rectangular slabs standing on the edge of a stone-paved circular plaza. On the base is an incised image of a flame burning in a lamp dish. It is inscribed: “Lest we forget. Within this pedestal is placed a time capsule recording for all time those residents of Stamford who responded to the call, some giving their lives, while serving in our past wars. In future wars, should we be called again, the people of Stamford pledge to preserve and perpetuate this expression of gratitude for such sacrifice.” On two of the slabs are bas-relief carvings: "Freedom from Want" showing two life-sized women, above a dedication reading, “To those who gave their lives in our country’s wars. They shall not grow old as we that are left grow old. Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn in the glory of their youth. We will remember them. Erected by the citizens of Stamford, Connecticut”, and "Freedom from Fear" with a woman and a young boy (see pictures gallery).
Near the center of Coe Park is a large flagpole with a six-sided base that honors veterans from conflicts including World War I, World War II, the Civil War, the American Revolution, the Spanish-American War, and the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Veterans of World War I are listed, while the other wars are honored with more generic descriptions. A plaque also singles out local Italian-American veterans for recognition.
