Marine Memorial

New Hampshire's Marine Memorial

by Patricia L. Cummings

All photos by James Cummings

In honor of Veteran's Day, November 11, 2007, we are sharing a few photos of a very special war monument that is dedicated to those in service who were lost at sea.

A very special statue stands at Hampton Beach in Hampton, New Hampshire. Designed by Concord resident, artist Alice E. Cosgrove, the memorial was dedicated in 1957. Since I was a child, I have seen the noble-looking lady who is holding a wreath as she looks out on the Atlantic Ocean, that beautiful and sometimes fierce entity that has claimed lives.

Marine monument - front - Hampton Beach, NH

The artist borrowed the words of a poem by John Gay and they are carved around the circular base of the monument:

Breathe soft, ye winds
Ye waves in silence rest.

Behind her, there is a granite plaque with the names of military personnel from New Hampshire who died at sea. Not surprising is the fact the official state seal of New Hampshire is also carved in granite, to the left of the name roster. New Hampshire is a state known for its granite quarries (some even in my own neighborhood!)

NH State Seal carved in granite

Part of the monument features the official NH state seal, carved in granite.

On Veteran's Day, we pay tribute to all veterans of all wars. We celebrate the sacrifices that they have made in the name of country, duty, and freedom. Personally, I am thankful to live in a country where individuals are respected, for it is in the respect of each individual that a greater freedom is attained for all.

Another view of the Marine Monument at Hampton Beach, NH

Another view of the memorable statue.

The Hampton Library maintains a page with links to many articles that have been written about this monument.