Looking Toward The Sea, A 'Freedom Monument' OK'd For Town Marina

GUILFORD, CT —Guilford’s American Legion Post 48 membership did not envision a war monument, but rather a monument to freedom. And now, after an approval by the Board of Selectmen and blessing by the Marina Commission, the "Freedom Monument" will be erected at the Town Marina.

The monument will "memorialize the efforts and sacrifices" of military members, government officials, first responders and "ordinary citizens who contributed to preserving our freedom and way of life" after the Sept. 11 terror attack, Post 48 Senior Vice Commander Fred Brisbois said.

In the plan it's noted it will not impede marina operations, is small and unobtrusive at around two feet, and the color is meant to "blend in" with the rocks nearby.

The waterfront monument, slated to be located on the peninsula at the southwest corner of the Town Marina, won't cost the town money, will be essentially "maintenance free," and importantly, "will not be a trigger for PTSD."

"Since the attacks against our freedom and way of life originated from across the seas, it's symbolic to read the monument’s inscription while overlooking Long Island Sound," Brisbois said.

"Unlike the war memorials on the Town Green which have names of Guilford residents killed in their respective war, this is a monument to give tribute to those that preserved our freedom and way of life," he said. "Thus allowing us to enjoy our freedom and recreational facilities."

The monument has received endorsements from the VFW Post 7666, the Joint Guilford Madison Veterans Advisory Committee, Connecticut Gold Star Mothers, and the Military Order of the Purple Heart of New Haven County, among others, according to Brisbois.

Now, Post 48 is hoping people that are able to will donate to see the monument installed. Any funds collected in excess of the cost for installing the monument will be donated to the Guilford Food Bank and Meals on Wheels.

Guilford’s American Legion Post 48 has "historically undertaken civic actions" for the benefit of the town, Brisbois explained. In addition to members volunteer efforts, the Post awards an annual scholarship, and has held myriad fundraisers, like 2020's to benefit the food bank, Meals on Wheels, the Guilford Community Foundation and a special fund to assist veterans in need.

As Patch wrote about at the time, most of the money raised came from Post 48 members who contributed a portion of their coronavirus stimulus checks.

The Freedom Monument blessed by officials

On Dec. 6, the Board of Selectmen unanimously approved the project.

In their vote, Selectmen called the and monument valuable, beautiful, tasteful and an "excellent solution and location."

First Selectman Matt Hoey praised Post 48 members and Brisbois for their "service and passion" and said he fully supports the initiative.

Ultimately, it's up to the Board of Selectman to decide where memorials and monuments are placed, and Hoey pointed out that not all need to be on the Town Green.

Marina Commission chairperson Stephen Goldschmidt noted that the commission was "very supportive."

People looking to donate to the Freedom Monument fund are asked to send checks, made out to American Legion Post 48, to Post 48 c/o Fred Brisbois, 223 Flat Meadow Road, Guilford, CT 06437.