Chester honors veterans of the conflicts after World War I with monuments in a small park at the intersection of Middlesex Turnpike (Route 154) and Railroad Avenue.
Chester’s World War I monument, dedicated in 1939, features a granite doughboy figure atop a monument listing local veterans. A central panel bears a dedication reading, “In honor of the men of Chester who served in the World War 1917-1918.”
The central panel lists two columns of names, and highlights three residents killed in the conflict. The list of names is flanked by representations of a nurse and a sailor.
A granite monument dedicated in 2004 honors Chester residents who served in World War II, Korea, Vietnam and the post-Vietnam conflicts.
Starting at the left side of the monument, more than four columns of World War II veterans are listed along with veterans of the more recent wars. Collectively, the monument’s panels have just under 400 names.
The central panel bears a dedication reading, “There was a time when the world asked ordinary people to do extraordinary things. To the men and women of Chester who served our country.”
The central panel also features five service emblems and representations of two soldiers.
The monument is topped with an eagle and globe that were added in June of 2010.
Between the two monuments, a granite marker at the foot of a flagpole lists 10 residents killed in World War II and further honors the service of Chester’s Korea veterans.
The World War I monument was donated by Chester native Carlton J. Bates, the founder of the C.J. Bates Co. The Bates company, which had factories in Chester and New Haven, manufactured manicure sets, crochet hooks and knitting needles.
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