Monuments play a pivotal role in the collective remembrance of historical moments. A point in time, etched in bronze and stone, helps keep the memory of our nation’s most crucial moments alive. When we take a moment to take in the magnitude of the sacrifices made by those who have served on behalf of our country, it is a humbling and heartening reminder to never take for granted all that has transpired in the pursuit of a free and thriving nation. Although the battles of WWI were fought over a century ago, the stories of those who gave their all defending our freedom will live on for generations. And there is no better way to memorialize these heroes than through education, reflection, and remembrance of our region’s rich history.
In honor of Veterans Day, on Tuesday, November 12th, the New Jersey State Library will be hosting their upcoming webinar, “Legacy of Remembrance: A History of WWI Monuments in New Jersey”. Offering guests an engaging overview of New Jersey’s many WWI monuments and memorials, this afternoon of discussion will be of interest to any NJ history buff. This discussion will take place from 12pm to 1pm on Zoom. This webinar is completely free to attend. Advanced registration is required, so if you do plan on tuning in, please be sure to RSVP by completing the sign-up form, linked here: Zoom – Register. Throughout the afternoon, guests will have the opportunity to discover a wide variety of monuments, sourced from the photographic collection of Erik Burro, a history advocate and landmark subject matter expert.
Your host for the afternoon, Erik Burro, is a graduate of Rider University and founder of the Pennjerdel House, Burlington, NJ, a history advocacy supporting public awareness of regional heritage and proponent of landmark preservation. He encourages increased use of historical markers and protection of public art, monuments, and historic sites. Burro has been a principal speaker at a wide range of history-related events, conventions, conferences, and ceremonies in twelve states and five countries. He has addressed the Pennsylvania Assembly five times and also appeared at the capitols of New Jersey, Delaware, and Washington. Erik has been featured at US Park Service sites in Manhattan and Philadelphia and as a Cunard Line guest lecturer during Atlantic crossings.
For more information on this and other upcoming events at the New Jersey State Library, please visit their website, linked here: NJSL – Home. The NJSL’s full calendar of events can be accessed here: Events – NJSL. You can also keep up with the New Jersey State Library across social media, including on Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube. If you have any questions or would like to learn more regarding how you can take advantage of the NJSL’s many resources, please contact New Jersey State Library staff at (609) 278-2640 for further assistance. Come be a part of keeping New Jersey’s history alive – be sure to enroll today! 
