The River Journal joins this year’s celebration of the 250th Anniversary of the founding of America with a series of articles throughout 2026 highlighting people, places, or things in the River Towns that pay homage to pivotal times in our history.
Hundreds of yellow rubber ducks rush down Andre Brook for a charitable cause each April. Locals enjoy seasonal produce, crafts, and music at the weekly farmer’s market from May to November. And a playground gives youngsters a chance to slide and climb after school, weekends, and summers. But in the northeast corner of this four-acre spot along Route 9 on the border between Sleepy Hollow and Tarrytown, every day of the year is a day to honor those who served our country during conflicts on American soil and in foreign lands. Because this is Patriot’s Park.
The grouping of monuments, flags, inscriptions, and dedications that command this corner where College Avenue meets Broadway pays tribute to the men and women who served in World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, those who died in the Sept. 11th, 2001, attack on the World Trade Center, and all the mothers who miss them. Come and see how American history is commemorated in this special place.
You notice these first: the two stone benches, three tall flag poles with the large red, white, and blue American flags flanked by the black Prisoners of War (POW) and Missing in Action (MIA) flags, and a stone pathway with smaller American flags leading to the imposing World War II monument. Above the names of several of the veterans, the inscription reads: “Glory to them that died in this great cause. In grateful memory of the men and women of the Tarrytowns who served in World War II.”
To the left, another pathway takes you to twin stone pillars dedicated to those from the Tarrytowns who died in the Korean War and the Vietnam War. Both share a similar sentiment and have the names carved in each stone: “In memory of those who paid the supreme sacrifice”.
Farther to the left, you come upon a two-part memorial to 9/11. A small rectangular stone with a bronze plaque depicting the Manhattan skyline was dedicated on the one-year anniversary and reads in part: “May this memorial serve as a symbol of honor for all those who put themselves in harm’s way – firefighters, police officers, emergency personnel, and brave Americans alike.” A second monument nearby features a dramatic installation of remnants from the World Trade Center.
In a small adjacent area, a cluster of monuments acknowledge the loss experienced by mothers of military who died in service to their country as well as mothers who continue to worry about their sons and daughters now serving in the armed forces. The bronze plaque reads: “In honor of the American Gold Star Mothers for their sacrifice, service, and patriotism” followed by a short, tender poem. American Gold Star Mothers across the country volunteer thousands of hours every year to provide economic and social support to veterans, active-duty military, and their families. Named after the Gold Star that families would hang in their windows in honor of a deceased veteran, the organization will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2028.
Facing the Gold Star Mothers monument is a natural uncarved stone with a small bronze plaque announcing that this Blue Star Memorial Bi-Way marker honors America’s armed forces across the country. Part of a nationwide program sponsored by the National Garden Clubs (and placed here by the Little Gardens of Tarrytown), the blue star – a standard part of military service flags – serves as a symbol of remembrance for all who serve, served, or will serve. Blue Star Memorial B-Way signage can be found along major roads and is specifically for parks, civic areas, and historic sites.
Equally significant and just a few steps down the sidewalk is the oldest monument in Patriots Park – the one most Tarrytowners are familiar with – marking an event in the American Revolutionary War.
The famous Captors Monument honors the three militiamen who caught Major John André on Sept. 23, 1780, at a location not far from where the monument is today. Reads the plaque in part: “Major John André of the British Army was captured, disguised in civilian clothing…..they found papers on him that implicated him in espionage with Benedict Arnold, a high-ranking officer of the Continental Army.” The cornerstone for the monument
made of Sing Sing marble was laid on July 4, 1853, and the completed monument was re-dedicated in 1880. The statue atop the monument is of John Paulding, one of the three militiamen; the others being Isaac Van Wart and David Williams, all of whom were home in Tarrytown on a short leave from military duty. Over the years, the monument has been moved, enlarged, and re-positioned to face the street. A recent sprucing-up project by the Village of Tarrytown (that owns and manages Patriots Park) included a refresh of the railings and gate around the monument by a local iron works company.
Patriots Park was created in 1853 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. But marking important national events with monuments and dates on plaques doesn’t bring to a close America’s story. So, the next time you are in Patriots Park admiring the stunning stonework, buying locally-grown greens, walking your dog, or just enjoying the sun on one of the Park’s benches, stop for a while at that northeast corner to honor what came before and remember: America’s next chapter is now.
All photos by Judith C. Mitchell.
