East Coast Memorial

The World War II East Coast Memorial is located in Battery Park, New York City. This memorial commemorates those soldiers, sailors, Marines, coast guardsmen, merchant mariners and airmen who met their deaths in the service of their country in the western waters of the Atlantic Ocean during World War II. Its axis is oriented on the Statue of Liberty. On each side of the axis are four gray granite pylons upon which are inscribed the name, rank, organization, and state of each of the over 4,600 missing in the waters of the Atlantic. For names where an individual’s remains have subsequently been accounted for by the U.S. Department of Defense, a rosette is placed next to the name on the memorial to indicate that the person now rests in a known gravesite

We walked through after we got off the Statue of Liberty ferry. Looked nice and there were a couple dudes doing photo ops with pythons.

The World War II East Coast Memorial is located in Battery Park, New York City. This memorial commemorates those soldiers, sailors, Marines, coast guardsmen, merchant mariners and airmen who met their deaths in the service of their country in the western waters of the Atlantic Ocean during World War II. Its axis is oriented on the Statue of Liberty. On each side of the axis are four gray granite pylons upon which are inscribed the name, rank, organization, and state of each of the over 4,600 missing in the waters of the Atlantic. For names where an individual’s remains have subsequently been accounted for by the U.S. Department of Defense, a rosette is placed next to the name on the memorial to indicate that the person now rests in a known gravesite.

Not something you would think to stop at but if you walk through Battery Park (or run like I did), you should check this memorial out. This part of Manhattan has more than its share but this one is one of my favorites. A solemn wall of names inscribed overlooking the water and the Statue of Liberty. Very serene and impacting.

This could be your go to place if you want to see Statue of Liberty without taking a cruise. The place was clean and well maintained. Apart from the good view of the sea and the city you can take a cruise from nearby Staten Island ferry terminal.

The closest public restroom to this place is in Staten Island ferry terminal. You can also find options for food and snacks at walking distance from here. The place was little busy as people from the cruise to Statue of Liberty get down here.

A word of caution, you can find a lot of caricature artists who will promise you to make your caricature in 15$ or so.. however they will not be willing to provide you with portrait unless you pay extra 25$ for the frame/cover. They will ask for cash. I advise ask for details before you go for it. Not a problem to earn, dishonest approach was something I didn’t like.

Impressive memorial of 4,601 deceased in the Atlantic Ocean during World War II. It consists of a bronze eagle (sculpted by Albino Manca) and eight granite pylons with the names and some more details of all these soldiers inscribed on them. The eagle stands on a wave and holds a laurel wreath in its claws, which symbolises mourning over the dead resting in peace in the water. The pylons, on the other hand, supposedly have their axis aligned with the Statue of Liberty. East Coast Memorial, despite of being in a busy spot from which the tourists depart to the Liberty or the Ellis Islands, forces respect and inner silence to honour those who died for freedom and a better world.

The stones look nice, but thought it was more of a nine eleven monument. Maybe more signs indicating its WWII aspect would be nice.

As we wandered through Battery Park, we stumbled on the East Coast Memorial which faces the Statue of Liberty.

This memorial honors the 4,601 missing American servicemen who lost their lives in the Atlantic Ocean while engaged in combat during World War II and there is nothing like a memorial to make you take stock of how fortunate we are in the 21st century.

Designed by the architectural firm of Gehron and Seltzer, the monument consists of a large, paved plaza punctuated by eight massive 19-foot tall gray granite pylons (four each on the southern and northern sides) onto which are inscribed the names, rank, organization and state of each of the deceased.

This place took my breath away and I had a tear in my eye. So many have given their lives before us. And architecturally, this is a stunning piece paying homage to so many.

Note: Please be respectful when you visit this memorial. Nothing worse than people taking cheesey selfies with two fingers in the air (peace sign). Be humbled by the loss of these lives.