WAKEFIELD — Throughout 2024, the Soldiers and Sailors Monument on the Veterans Memorial Common experienced a complete restoration, including extensive repair and reconstruction. Organizers invite everyone to join them on Saturday, May 31 for an afternoon of interactive activities as we celebrate and rededicate the 123-year-old piece of Wakefield history.
There will be opportunities to engage with Civil War reenactors, listen to military and student musicians, explore town history and student research, and join the big rededication ceremony at the monument itself.
Created by artist and Civil War Veteran Melzar Hunt Mosman, the Soldiers and Sailors Monument was unveiled to the Town on June 17, 1902. According to the Wakefield Historical Society, it “was dedicated to the memory of the men who fought and died in the Civil War, but, in the four figures (naval, infantry, artillery, and cavalry) surrounding the column, it has come to symbolize the generations of men and women from this town who have served their country in the armed services.”
Schedule of Events
12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.
• Visit the Hartshorne House (41 Church Street), with shuttle service
• Visit the Wakefield History Museum (39 Prospect Street), with shuttle service
• Engage with Civil War living history camps on the Lower Common. Participants include the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, Northeast Brigade of Reenactors, 5th Mass Light Artillery, Be What Remains, and more.
• View student history projects, historical videos, and Civil War artifacts in the First Baptist Church
• Join the African American Heritage Walking Tour, led by resident historians
3 p.m.
Gather on the Upper Common for a formal ceremony that includes residents, students, and musicians. Participants include:
• The Providence Brigade Band
• Wakefield Scouts
• Wakefield Memorial High School Musicians
• Commander Shelby Nikitin, United States Navy
• and many more.
Note that Church Street will be closed, from Main to Common Street, to ensure pedestrian safety at the event. Visit www.wakefield.ma.us/monument to stay up to date on event details as they become available.