Due to tomorrow’s forecasted inclement weather, the Celebrations Committee has decided to move the Memorial Grove Dedication ceremony scheduled for Saturday, May 19, 2018 inside to the Wellesley High School Gym. The ceremony will begin at 3:30 PM. There is ample parking in the High School lot for those attending. A reception will immediately follow the ceremony in the Crockett Library.
Wellesley's 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.