If you’ve ever taken a drive through Downtown Trenton, chances are you’ve enjoy a glimpse at the stately and historic War Memorial. Known as one of the Capital City’s most ornate venues, this cherished space has earned its spot amongst the city’s most beautiful buildings. Far beyond just a gathering place, however, the Trenton War Memorial is a sacred space to remember the valiant lives lost in the honorable fight to freedom.

The Trenton War Memorial was originally constructed in 1932 as a monument to honor and remember Mercer County’s fallen soldiers and sailors who fought in World War One. The building is located within Trenton’s Capital City Complex, which features other iconic buildings such as the New Jersey Statehouse and Statehouse Annex. The intention of the building was to be used as “a great community center”, combining elements of “beauty, dignity, and civic utility”. Housed within these hallowed halls is a 1,807-person theater for performances and assemblies, as well as a number of rooms for meetings and other affairs. Adorning the building, guests can find plaques and inscriptions honoring the community’s fallen WWI soldiers. A deeply inspiring and stirring landmark, one can’t help but feel the immensity of the moment when they approach this special place.

The War Memorial was designed by Louis S. Kaplan, a young architect who was granted the opportunity to design this building after winning a competition. The War Memorial features a number of grand design elements, including breathtaking brick work, stunning Grecian-style pillars, and opulent interior rooms. The War Memorial is also home to Patriots Theater, a magnificent theater which has hosted some of the region’s top talents. From Bruce Springsteen to Frank Sinatra and everyone in between, some of the Garden State’s greatest legends have passed through these hallowed halls. Generations of Trentonians boast fond memories of their time at the War Memorial, and this timeless venue will no doubt continue to be a beloved destination for generations of Trentonians to come. 

Due to its cultural and historical significance, the Trenton War Memorial was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places on December 11th, 1986. The National Register of Historic Places, a program of the National Park Service, commemorates and protects sites and locations which hold historic and archeological significance. In total, there are over 98,000 properties listed on the register, many of which are from right here in New Jersey. The War Memorial holds not only local significance, but has earned itself a spot in the rich mosaic of some of our nation’s most storied monuments.

With Memorial Day coming up next Monday, it is critical to examine how we as a society process, remember, and honor those who fought on behalf of our freedoms. By building, maintaining, and engaging with these spaces, we help to play a part in keep the memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice alive. Whether on Memorial Day or every day, may we continue to uphold and preserve the legacy of those who have gone before us on the fight for a more free and just nation.

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