New Bedford moves forward with monument to Global War on Terrorism veterans
NEW BEDFORD — The city has announced an important step toward establishing a monument honoring veterans of post 9/11 conflicts.
An internationally known design firm has been selected to provide design and construction management services to establish the monument.
The monument will recognize Greater New Bedford residents for their military service during the ongoing Global War on Terrorism, which includes Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Martha Schwartz Partners was one of eight firms to respond to a Request for Qualifications issued in December 2022, according to a press release.
MSP has offices in London, New York, and Shanghai, and has received numerous awards, including the ASLA Landmark Award, the British Association of Landscape Industries Award, and the Chicago Athenaeum Award for Best New Global Design.
In the United States, the firm is known for its innovative landscape design approaches to public spaces, including the Navy Pier in Chicago and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development headquarters in Washington, D.C.
Mayor Jon Mitchell assembled an advisory committee to oversee the monument at a 9/11 memorial service in 2021.
Where will the new monument be located?
The advisory committee, made up of members from the Veterans Advisory Board, local artists, and members of various city departments, has recommended the West Beach jetty as the location for the memorial as part of its initial planning work.
“I wish to thank the advisory committee for their effort in selecting a suitable site and first-rate design firm for this memorial,” Mitchell said. “We are now well-positioned to develop a fitting and appropriate tribute to those who stepped forward when their nation called.”
“We are very excited to be a part of this project. The city put forth a request that was both compelling and bold: How to commemorate a new generation of veterans who served in an ongoing conflict and continue to serve their local community in so many ways,” said Timothy Nawrocki, associate director at Martha Schwartz Partners. “With this dramatic and beautiful site, we hope to create a space for events, gathering, and reflection that takes inspiration from New Bedford’s strong connection to the water and honors the citizens who protect it.”
“It’s great news that the city is moving forward to create a fitting memorial to honor the men and women who have served and are currently serving our nation during the ongoing Global War on Terrorism; a war which began on September 11, 2001, and continues to this day,” said Bob Bromley, co-chair of the Advisory Board and chair of the Veterans Advisory Board.
Bromley added, “The men and women of our armed forces have fought terrorism in nearly every quarter of the globe, for over two decades. It is an honor to be part of the planning for the city’s new memorial honoring the military service of its residents during the Global War on Terror.”
“I am honored to serve on the advisory committee and proud that the South End will be home to this monument that pays tribute to our veterans,” Ward 6 City Councilor Ryan J. Pereira said. “I have grown up in a post 9/11 world, and to honor those who defended our nation these past decades is not only important for my generation, but for future generations to come."
This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: Monument to post 9/11-conflict veterans in New Bedford moves forward
