[All photos for GL Courtesy of Nathan Kensinger Photography]
Yesterday, of course, was the formal rededication of the Fort Greene Prison Ship Martyrs Monument and its centennial. The remains of more than 10,000 Americans who died on British prison ships in Wallabout, offshore of what is now the Brooklyn Navy Yard are buried in crypts beneath the monument in Fort Greene Park. GL Contributor Nathan Kensinger was on hand and provided us with these photos taken after sunset, when the monument was lit again. He reports: “Several hundred people came out on a cold, gray afternoon to celebrate the centennial of the monument. It was a solemn affair, with speeches reflecting on how much Brooklyn and America have changed between the Revolutionary War and the recent election. But the highlight was at the end of the ceremony, when it was completely dark in the park, and everyone from the neighborhood counted down like it was New Years, until they hit the lights and illuminated the newly renovated monument and plaza.”
5 responses so far ↓
1 Duke of Flatbush // Nov 17, 2008 at 10:06 am
Did the two giant bronze eagles make it back into the Park or are they still sitting outside of the Parks Commissioner’s office at the Arsenal in Manhattan. The last time Parks renovated the monument they removed the eagles for “cleaning” and they never came back to Brooklyn.
DPR has a horrible reputation for keeping tack of its sculptures. Another example is the bust of JFK that was placed in Grand Army Plaza many years ago. The recent renovation has been finished for over a year, but the bust never made it back . Its probably in some Deputy Commissioner’s office in Queens.
2 jabberwacky // Nov 17, 2008 at 10:32 am
Did they get the flame lit? I can’t tell from the pictures. I was there. The park was pretty nice.
3 BrooklynBorn // Nov 17, 2008 at 10:52 am
that’s a great question Duke, I’ve been wondering about the JFK bust (from grand army plaza) for a while now. It was one the many dedications made around the country after Nov 63′ so you’d think there’d be some mention of it’s future.
4 Nathan // Nov 17, 2008 at 5:33 pm
The eagles have indeed landed back in Fort Greene Park… heres the story and photos from the gowanus lounge:
http://www.gowanuslounge.com/2008/11/11/fort-greene-prison-ship-martyrs-monument-redication-with-returned-eagles/
5 Duke of Flatbush // Nov 18, 2008 at 12:15 pm
Thanks for pointing that our Nathan. Great post. I remembered the NYT article and am glad to see that balance has been restored to the heights of Fort Greene.
Now about GAP. Anyone want to start a campaign to restore JFK’s bust?