NYC Parks Cuts Ribbon on New Lighting for WWI Monument on Mosholu Parkway

Today, Bronx Parks Commissioner Hector M. Aponte, City Councilman G. Oliver Koppell, and Community Board 7 Chair Adaline Walker-Santiago cut the ribbon on a new lighting system for the WWI Monument on Mosholu Parkway. Councilman Koppell allocated $100,000 to fund this energy-efficient metal halide lighting system.

"For nearly 90 years, this monument on the historic Mosholu Parkway has stood as a testament to the courage of Bronx servicemen in the War to End All Wars," said Bronx Parks Commissioner Hector Aponte. "But without lighting, it was only visible in the daytime. Now, thanks to funding allocated by Councilman Koppell for a new lighting system, the monument will 'shine a light' on this pivotal era in American history at all hours of the day."

The bronze monument honors local servicemen who paid the supreme sacrifice during World War I. The monument, designed by artist Jerome Connor (1875-1943) depicts a fallen soldier, protected by a comrade who stands vigilant with bayonet in hand. At his feet, an eagle with wings spread symbolizes the victorious call to arms. This monument was unveiled before thousands of spectators on November 11, 1925.

Mosholu Parkway is a landscaped highway connecting Bronx Park to Van Cortlandt Park. It stretches from Allerton Avenue to Gun Hill Road, with an extension north through Van Cortlandt Park. The parkway was designed in the 1860s by distinguished landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, who designed a number of historic parks in New York City, including Central Park, Prospect Park, and Morningside Park.

Photos courtesy NYC Parks.