November/December 2008
Around the Quads
War Memorial To Be Dedicated
After many years of discussion and planning, the University will unveil and dedicate a memorial to Columbia students and alumni of all schools who gave their lives in the performance of American, uniformed military service as a result of service-related injuries during any war or recognized conflict/campaign, dating back to the American Revolution. The event is scheduled for Friday, December 12, at 6 p.m. in the lobby of Butler Library.
The event is open to the public and will include an exhibition of Columbia’s military history and the unveiling of a plaque by University Trustees Chair Bill Campbell ’62, whose generosity allowed the memorial came to fruition. The plaque, to be hung on the wall to the left of the stairwell, will read: “We remember with enduring gratitude those who attended the colleges and schools of Columbia University and lost their lives in the military service of our nation. As we celebrate their lives, let us honor them by guarding peace.”
Co-sponsored by the Columbia Alumni Association, the plaque will be accompanied by an electronic kiosk, making it possible for visitors to search through an extensive electronic database of names, photographs and other memorabilia. Such a coupling renders in effect a living, breathing memorial, one of the primary reasons the University opted for this type of tribute.
“The establishment of this war memorial is a proud and overdue moment,” said Provost Alan Brinkley. “For more than 200 years, members of the Columbia community have fought and died in defense of their country, and it is, I believe, an institutional obligation for us to acknowledge their bravery and sacrifice.”
All members of the Columbia community will be invited to share validated information soon after the event.
Gordon Chenoweth Sauer ’11 Arts