War Memorial Dedication at Sunday's Veterans Day Ceremonies

At least as early as last spring War Memorial Committee members set their sights on Veterans Day to dedicate the War Memorial Monument.

And it was much earlier, 2009, that the committee was formed to make the monument happen.

Now, after all the planning, meetings and fundraising — the committee raised $20,000 —  the monument's time has arrived.

At 11 a.m. this Sunday, Veterans Day, its 8 pieces weighing a total of 7,089 pounds will become the newest dedicated monument on Monument Avenue.

It will honor everyone in Swampscott that has lost their life in the war on terror (military of civilian) or served in the military during that time, said David Van Dam, chairman of the War Memorial Committee.  

It will have 35 names on each wing, says its maker, David DiFillipo of Woodlawn Memorials.

"The center tablet will bear the names of Specialist Jared Raymond and Captain Jennifer Harris who made the ultimate sacrifice fighting for our country," he said.

The monument is made entirely of granite.

The wings and base were carved from Rock of Ages Barre, Vermont grey granite, he said. The center tablet was carved from African Black granite with gold leaf in the star, as were the ends, with hand etchings of the American flag draped over, he said.

The War Memorial Committee's other members are Jim Schultz, Jackie Raymond, Cindy Blonder, Paul Levenson, John Stinson and Lou Gallo  

The last monument erected on Monument Avenue, also made by Woodlawn, was the Desert Shield - Desert Storm monument which was dedicated three years ago, back on Nov. 11, 2009.