NYC Mayor Eric Adams Unveils 'Flames of Honor' Memorial for Post-9/11 Service Members

Honoring Post-9/11 Fallen Service Members

• 🗽 Mayor Eric Adams announced the selection of nationally acclaimed sculptor Dalton Blumburg to design a new memorial honoring over 100 New York City service members killed in post-9/11 wars.
• 🎨 The memorial, titled "Flames of Honor," will be located in the Whitestone neighborhood of Queens, home to the largest number of post-9/11 service members killed in action.
• 🕊️ The design features five bronze sculptures of buglers representing each service, a 40-foot monument with silver arcs cradling a stained-glass eternal flame, and bas-relief murals depicting service members of all backgrounds.

Support for Veterans and Service Members

• 💰 The city is increasing the Department of Veteran Affairs budget by $1 million to strengthen the safety net for veterans.
• 🏠 New initiatives include property tax exemptions and loan options for veterans buying homes, and job support programs connecting nearly 100 veterans to employment this year.
• 🎗️ The administration is committed to supporting veterans beyond spoken words, emphasizing daily gratitude and providing resources for healthcare, housing, benefits, education, and employment.

Remembering Sacrifice and Service

• 🇺🇸 The memorial aims to serve as a symbol of gratitude, acknowledging that the thank yous owed to the veteran community are not just spoken once a year.
• 💔 The event also commemorated the passing of Edward Schloman, a Marine Corps and Army National Guard veteran, and a champion for veteran healing through his work with Operation Warrior Shield.
• 📜 The significance of the oath of enlistment was highlighted, emphasizing its transcendence over personal commitments and its role in uniting diverse groups in service.

Memorial Design and Location Details

• 📍 The memorial's location in Queens is significant due to the borough having the highest concentration of post-9/11 service members killed in action.
• 🌟 The design's symbolism, meaningful use of space, and reflective elements are intended to promote remembrance for the fallen.
• 💡 The eternal flame, made of stained-glass panels with LED lights, will shine 24/7, offering a different look day and night.

Veteran Identification and Outreach

• 📊 A concerning statistic revealed that only 24.1% of veterans in New York City self-identify, highlighting a need for increased outreach to ensure they access earned benefits.
• 🌐 The city is actively working to encourage veterans to come forward and utilize available resources, with contact information provided via nyc.gov/vets, phone, email, and social media.
• 🤝 The commitment to veterans extends from the moment they take their oath through their lives and beyond, underscoring a deep and lasting dedication to their service and sacrifice.