Woodstock War Memorial
Erected by the Town of Woodstock in 1919, this memorial honors local residents who served their country during six conflicts extending from the American Revolution through the First World War. Its inscription dedicates the monument to those who served in the nation’s struggles for “liberty, justice and humanity.”
The memorial begins with the Revolutionary War of 1775 to 1783, when the thirteen colonies fought for independence from Great Britain. It also recognizes service during the War of 1812, the Mexican American War, the Civil War, and the Spanish-American War. These conflicts span nearly a century and a half of American history and several generations of Woodstock families.
The final conflict listed is identified simply as the “World War”, with the dates 1917 to 1919. When the memorial was erected, no one yet knew that another world war would follow, and the conflict we now call the First World War was commonly known as the World War or the Great War. The dates reflect the period of American participation and the return of its service members following the end of combat.
The names of individuals do not appear on this plaque. Instead, it offers a collective tribute to everyone from Woodstock who served during these conflicts. Its placement within the town center connects distant wars and national events to the people of a small New England community who participated in them.
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