Wellesley residents are cordially invited to the dedication of Wellesley's World War 1 Memorial Grove on Saturday, May 19, 2018 at 3:30 PM as part of Wellesley's Wonderful Weekend (May 19th & May 20th). The Grove is located on State Street off of Washington Street. Enter State Street at Whole Foods and take it to the curve on the way to the football field and Wellesley High School. The entrance to the Grove is located at the parking lot on the left adjacent to the Fuller Brook Path. The ceremony will take place in the parking lot so parking will be limited. Parking is available at Wellesley High School.
Memorial Grove was created by a Special Town Meeting in 1919 and is now under the supervision of the town's Natural Resources Commission. It honors the 326 Wellesley citizens who served, and the six who died in World War 1. Six trees have been planted for those who died. A boulder lists their names. A granite bench overlooking the State Street pond honors all who served. An historic information plaque on the path through the Grove tells its story. In 1919 Katharine Lee Bates of America the Beautiful fame wrote a special poem, "Welcome", on the occasion of celebrating the veterans' return. On May 19th, Wellesley College President Paula Johnson will read the poem once again. Join us for this memorable event.
Wellesley's Memorial Grove was recently designated with the honor of a "World War 1 Centennial Memorial" by the United States World War One Centennial Commission and the Pritzker Military Museum & Library. It is one of only 100 sites in the United States. To see the complete list of winners visit their website. To hear the Story of Memorial Grove watch the YouTube video.