New Bedford Takes Next Step in Establishing Monument for Post-9/11 Veterans

NEW BEDFORD (WBSM) — On the cusp of Veterans Day, the City of New Bedford announced today that it has taken “an important step forward” toward establishing a monument in the city honoring veterans of post-9/11 conflicts.

The City announced its selection of Martha Schwartz Partners to provide the design and construction management services for the project, which will “recognize Greater New Bedford residents for their military service during the ongoing Global War on Terrorism, which includes Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.”

MSP was selected from a pool of eight firms that responded to a Request for Qualifications for the project. The award-winning firm has designed projects such as the Navy Pier in Chicago and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development headquarters in Washington, D.C.

The monument will be located at the West Beach jetty in the city’s South End, a site selected by an advisory committee assembled in 2021 by Mayor Jon Mitchell. The advisory committee is made up of members of the Veterans Advisory Board, local artists and members of various city departments.

“I wish to thank the advisory committee for their effort in selecting a suitable site and first-rate design firm for this memorial,” Mayor Mitchell said.. “We are now well-positioned to develop a fitting and appropriate tribute to those who stepped forward when their nation called.”

Timothy Nawrocki, Associate Director at MSP, called the City’s request “both compelling and bold.”

“With this dramatic and beautiful site, we hope to create a space for events, gathering, and reflection that takes inspiration from New Bedford’s strong connection to the water and honors the citizens who protect it,” Nawrocki said.

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Bob Bromley, co-chair of the Advisory Board and Chair of the Veterans Advisory Board, said it was “great news” that the City is moving forward to create “a fitting memorial” to those who served in the Global War on Terror.

“The men and women of our armed forces have fought terrorism in nearly every quarter of the globe, for over two decades,” he said. “It is an honor to be part of the planning for the City’s new memorial honoring the military service of its residents during the Global War on Terror.”

Ward 6 City Councilor Ryan Pereira said he was proud that the monument would be in his ward.

“I am honored to serve on the advisory committee and proud that the South End will be home to this monument that pays tribute to our veterans,” Pereira said. “I have grown up in a post 9/11 world, and to honor those who defended our nation these past decades is not only important for my generation, but for future generations to come.”