Burlington honors its war veterans and heroes with several monuments on the green at the intersection of Spielman Highway (Route 4) and George Washington Turnpike.
At the western end of the green, a memorial honors Burlington’s Civil War and World War I veterans. On the western side of the monument, a bronze plaque includes a dedication reading, “The Town of Burlington has not forgotten her beloved brothers who offered their lives to preserve the Union, 1861-1865.”
Beneath the dedication are 88 names of Burlington residents or natives who served in the Civil War, with stars indicating the 20 residents who died during their Civil War service. The Civil War plaque was dedicated in 1998.
Among the veterans listed is Elijah W. Bacon, a private in the 14th Connecticut Volunteer Infantry who was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor after the Battle of Gettysburg. Bacon captured the 16th North Carolina’s battle flag on the final day of the battle, was killed during the 1864 Battle of the Wilderness in Virginia.
On the east face of the monument, Burlington honors its World War I veterans. The monument’s plaque includes a dedication reading, “Let us hold in honored memory those who served their country in the World War, 1917-1919.”
The World War I monument includes 42 names, and highlights five residents who died during their service.
To the east of the Civil War and World War I memorial, an undated monument honors Burlington residents who served in World War II, Korea and Vietnam.
The western face of the monument bears an engraved eagle and an inscription reading, “Dedicated to the veterans of Burlington who served in the armed forces and died for our freedom.”
Beneath this dedication, a tablet lists 118 names of residents who served in Vietnam. The tablet further honors two residents who were killed.
The east face of the monument has the same dedication as the west side, and bears two plaques honoring Burlington’s World War II and Korea veterans. The World War II sections list 135 names, and honor seven residents who were killed. The Korea section lists 43 names.
Tags: Burlington