Waltham’s Revolutionary War monuments
To the Editor,
With the 250th anniversary of American Independence quickly approaching, let us take time to remember the Waltham patriots who fought for our independence. Maybe you’re a descendent, like I am, or maybe you just want to appreciate how their contributions changed not only the face of Waltham, but the entire trajectory of our nation.
Did you know Waltham has a Revolutionary War monument on the Common? It was erected in time for the Fourth of July celebration in 1930 by the City of Waltham and the Dorothy Brewer Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. It proudly displays the names of Waltham’s 293 Revolutionary War Patriots. The monument reads “In grateful remembrance of Waltham men and men who served for Waltham in the Revolutionary War (1775-1783.)” Our monument was recently restored and it’s definitely worth swinging by to take a look. Many thanks to Mayor McCarthy, Councilor Joey LaCava and the Waltham City Council, and the Waltham Community Preservation Committee for their support with the restoration.
Waltham has two other Revolutionary War monuments. One is on the corner of Lexington and Lincoln Street. This dedication reads “In Grateful Memory of the Minute Men of Waltham – Who here assembled and marched to the Lexington Alarm. April 19, 1775.” It was dedicated by the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Waltham Historical Society in 1930. Every Patriot’s Day, the Waltham Mass National Guard veterans and the mayor place a wreath at this monument.
Waltham’s third Revolutionary War monument can be found at the Grove Hill Cemetery. This monument was erected in 1954 and recognizes the Revolutionary War soldiers buried at Grove Hill. Would you like to learn more about our Revolutionary soldiers at Grove Hill? Join the Waltham Historical Society for The Grove Hill Cemetery Tour on August 1st, 2026.
So, on our nation’s 250th birthday take time to reflect on where we have been, and all the opportunities we have to forge the next 250. Please keep in mind that we are now the stewards of these monuments and what they represent: to educate, to protect, and to always remember.
Happy Birthday America!
Jackie Beaudoin
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Jackie,
Thank you for your article and the photographs which accompanied it. Although I have lived in Waltham all my life, I had not known that Waltham had 293 Revolutionary patriots that responded to the Lexington alarm (or that you are descended from a revolutionary patriot).
Hope that this information is or will be available in the curriculum for Waltham students studying the American Revolution.
Ellie Lyman
Excellent informational article. Waltham has a great history, and we can almost learn something new each day. I’m sharing this story with my granddaughters. Thanks for writing it, Jackie!
David Gately
Thank you Jackie! I hope all the kids in our schools are informed about and shown these important monuments!