Clarkstown rededicates cannon monument to veteran killed in World War I
CONGERS − A monument honoring World War I veteran Lt. Raymond B. Jauss has gotten a face-lift and rededication at Congers Station Park.
Jauss died in Europe during the First World War and later received the Distinguished Service Cross in 1918 by a vote of Congress and support from President Woodrow Wilson.
The stone monument topped with a cannon and now featuring a replica of Jauss' face had weathered since being dedicated in 1936 by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2607. Last Friday, Clarkstown unveiled two plaques added to the monument and pedestal.
Clarkstown Supervisor George Hoehmann led an array of officials, including Councilman Michael Graziano and County Executive Ed Day. The VFW post, Clarkstown Police Honor Guard, and local Boy Scout troop, among residents and family, attended.
"Today we rededicate this iconic Congers monument cognizant of the memory of sacrifice that it commemorates," Hoehmann told the gathering. "July 15, 1918, exactly 105 years ago tomorrow, Lt. Raymond B. Jauss paid the ultimate sacrifice.
Hoehmann said the monument stands as a solemn reminder of Jauss and other Americans who went off to war. He said the monument is a reminder "that a hero once walked these quiet, at the time, country streets; that a hero went off to war after marrying his childhood sweetheart and willingly gave his life in the cause of freedom."
He said the monument should "continue to be a place of gathering, as people pause to reflect on the true cost of freedom. Let it be a place of recommitment to high ideals and patriotic fervor."
The memorial is located at the park adjacent to the railroad crossing at the center of town. Jauss had graduated from Columbia University and his family had a summer home in Congers. Jauss married his childhood sweetheart - and fellow Congers resident Harriet James — two days before he sailed for Europe.
Jauss died on the battlefield on July 15, 1918, near Crezancy, France.
On Aug. 9, 1918, by an act of Congress, President Wilson posthumously awarded Jauss the Distinguished Service Cross, the second highest award bestowed on U.S. military personnel.
“The President of the United States of America, authorized by an Act of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (infantry) Raymond B. Jauss, United States Army for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with the 30th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Division, American Expeditionary Forces near Crezancy, France July 15, 1918.
"After all, means of liaison had failed, Lieutenant Jauss carried important messages to his observation posts. He was killed by shell fire visiting one of his observation stations near Crezancy.”
The French Government also honored Jauss by bestowing the Croix de Guerre.
Graziano, who represents Congers on the Town Board, said the cannon monument and new plaques are a beautiful addition to the Congers Station Park and will remain a focal point for future generations.
"As a lifelong Congers resident, this memorial made an impression on me as well as the Congers community," Graziano said. "It was rewarding to me to spearhead this project with Supervisor Hoehmann.
Steve Lieberman covers government, breaking news, courts, police, and investigations. Reach him at slieberm@lohud.com. Twitter: @lohudlegal.
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This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Monument honoring WWI veteran Raymond Jauss rededicated and improved
