The Wicomico Youth & Civic Center - A Living War Memorial
The Wicomico Youth & Civic Center is itself a living War Memorial, with each of its rooms nameed after historically important military conflicts: Normandy, Midway, DaNang and Flanders. Outside the venue, stands the Wicomico War Memorial, which flies flags from each service branch along with a United States, Maryland, Wicomico County and POW-MIA flag. The flags fly proudly over a brick wall displaying bronze plagues with the names of Wicomico County's fallen veterans from World War II to today. Complimenting the outside memorial, in the lobby of the WY&CC stands a Tree of Honor - with its gold leaves named in honor of servicemen and women. The outside Wicomico War Memorial and Veteran's Tree of Honor are the result of an active War Memorial Committee. Those currently serving on the committee include:
- Anthony Sarbanes
- Jeanne Cohee
- Ed Tattersall
- Frank Antinori
- Don Fitzgerald
- Russell Franklin
- George Vickers
- Leo Cherry
- Ralph Cordrey
- Jack Lewis
- Steve Carey
- Ed Hearthway
Wicomico War Memorial
The mission behind the Wicomico War Memorial is to honor the armed forces from Wicomico County who lost their lives while serving the United States during war. The Wicomico War Memorial will be maintained into perpetuity to mark the sacrifice of these heroes and the high price of the freedom we share.
This memorial to the fallen servicemen and women of Wicomico County is permanently situated in front of the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center. Bearing service flags and name plagues, the memorial was erected in 2003 to honor those who paid the ultimate sacrifice while serving for the United States Army, Air Force, Navy, Coast Guard, Marines and Merchant Marines. Veterans of World War I, World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War, Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom and Prisoners of War are honored.
One hundred eighty eight names are engraved on the memorial’s bronze plaques. These fallen war heroes are listed in the order of their death by the war in which they served. To further preserve the memory of those lost, the War Memorial Committee is actively seeking the background information of each individual. Those who can share stories or offer photos, are asked to call Ed Hearthway at 410-334-6932. The committee hopes to assemble all information received into a website or CD-Rom.
Veteran's Tree of Honor
To compliment the outdoor War Memorial, the Veteran’s Tree of Honor was added to the Civic Center lobby in 2005. Family and friends of both living and deceased veterans are invited to honor their loved ones with a visible reminder of their service – an engraved, gold leaf. Leaves can be purchased for $100 by contacting Tammy Taylor at 410-548-4900 ext. 115 or download a War Memorial sponsorship form.
Both the War Memorial and Veteran’s Tree of Honor were built with contributions made by county citizens and businesses and are currently maintained by the War Memorial Committee.