Memorials - Rainbow Division Veterans Foundation

Memorial Sustainment and Establishment

As outlined in our mission statement Memorial sustainment and establishment of 42nd Division memorials are an important part of the Foundations work. Many memorials outlining the deeds and sacrifices of our Rainbow Soldiers exist all over the United States and in Europe.

In Search of Rainbow Memorials was an amazing piece of work that allowed us all to realize the breadth and scope of the number of such remembrances. The book was put together by our dear Rainbow friend from France LIse Pommois. Please read about her in the intro section of the book. Our dear late Memorials officer Charles Fowler assisted. Charley did research and the forward for the book. Together they gave us the gift of knowing where these memorials where placed and some of the history behind them. We are also grateful to Ms Patti Bonn and Susan Leppert of Aegis Consulting Group and Aberjona Press who published the book and granted us access to this CD so everyone can enjoy the work done by Lise and Charley.

More posting to these webpage’s under the memorials tab will continue, for example we have posted information on the new memorials for the Divisions participation in the Iraq war in 2005/6. Those memorials were established at Fort Drum and Dix.

In Search of Rainbow Memorials

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Recent Memorial Projects

42nd Infantry Division/Task Force Liberty Memorials Established

The mobilization and deployment of the 42nd for the Iraq war was the first call up of a National Guard Division for combat since the Korean War. The 42nd was the first of only two NG Division called to duty for the Iraq or Afghanistan Wars. It was truly historic and added greatly to the Legacy of our beloved Division. The 42nd occupied a large portion of North Central Iraq (the size of West Virginia!) which was home to some 6.5 million Iraqi citizens. The 42nd was the third US Division Hq’s to occupy the palace complex in Sadaam Hussein’s home town of Tikrit and was The US Hq’s that turned it back to the Iraqi people. The 42nd Division was awarded the Meritorious Unit Citation for its outstanding performance.

WWI Monument Restored

As you have read in the book “In Search of Rainbow Memorials” the WWI Memorial in Garden City, formerly Camp Mills, was established in 1941. In early 2017, the Rainbow Divisions Centennial year, the RDVF board of Trustees voted to support the Village of Garden City by paying 50% of the cost to restore the monument.
On August 12, 2017, almost 100 years to the day the Division was established, the Rainbow Division Veterans Foundation held a special Centennial Ceremony to honor the WWI Veterans of the 42nd Division in Garden City, LI NY. Many VIP’s from the Army and Veterans from across the country came to celebrate the service and sacrifice of the WWI soldiers of the 42nd Division. A wreath was laid at the site as is the case every memorial day.

100 Year Timeline Display Established at 42nd Division Hq, Troy, New York

In honor of the Divisions Centennial year the RDVF Board of Trustees approved the purchase of an historical timeline display. The timeline is featured in the window of the RDVF Heritage room located at the 42nd Division Headquarters, Glenmore Road, Troy NY. The timeline begins with the establishment of the 42nd Division on August 14, 1917 and concludes with the 100 year Ceremony at Garden City LI NY on August 12, 2017. Various dates along the timeline describe special events in the Divisions History as well as the Rainbow Division Veterans Association and Rainbow Division Veterans Foundation. The project was completed by The St John Design Group under the overview of Pat Chaisson, Board Member and Historical Officer.

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