Where is the former Patten Parkway World War II war monument honoring 700 Hamilton County residents that were killed in the line of service to country? Local news accounts describe great sorrow during World War II and their dedication to country, as the greatest generation ever. We cannot forget their sacrifice, or this country’s historic monuments honoring service bigger than life.
I recall when this historic World War II monument was removed under the idea that the monument could not be incorporated into a redesign of Patten Parkway. The city was able to place decorative metal configurations in the redesign. Moving historic monuments should be an absolute emergency, not a design inconvenience. Well, it is done and moved.
So, where is the World War II monument years later? I cannot locate notification or Tennessee Historical Commission minutes of where the World War II memorial was taken. The destination of this monument is the public’s business.
I spoke to the staff of the Tennessee Historical Commission who informed me that there are state laws to protect the historic monuments, and assured me the monument would be relocated to a place of similar public viewing opportunity.
We are all interested parties in this historic monument and ensuring its future in public view. The staff provided a copy of the city’s application to the historic regulatory board where the city of Chattanooga argued they could not incorporate the monument in their Patten Parkway redesign and achieve their objectives. At the same time, the city committed to relocating the monument for public viewing. This was years ago.
Fair enough, where is the World War II monument?
Then, I found the report online in the historic commission minutes, and the report states that the city of Chattanooga will follow up and report with a new location. Perhaps I don’t have the latest report or information, but I want to know 1) where is the historic World War II memorial now, and 2) is there a Veterans Association charged with rehabilitating the monument so I can donate.
The last news piece on the World War II memorial was the Chattanoogan reporting that a veterans group was working on a new location, and another news piece cited that the memorial had weather and vandalism damage. So, in honor of the greatest generation ever, the monument needs to be repaired if not already.
From everything I have read, it appears the city of Chattanooga is charged with this World War II memorial honoring 700 Hamilton County lives lost, and a veterans group has oversight is the last information I have.
I also asked an AI source to find information about the monument and the response was, “The memorial to Hamilton County’s fallen from World War II, which honors almost 700 lives, was moved from Patten Parkway as part of a major renovation. However, the new location has not yet been determined.”
My effort is exhausted, and I would rather get my information from the source.
Mayor Kelly, where is the World War II monument honoring 700 World War II county residents right now, and how do people donate to help with restoration? There is a lack of information for the public. Please update us on the location of the World War II monument.
Thank you,
April Eidson