Eternal Light Flagstaff, War memorial in Madison Square Park, Manhattan, US
The Eternal Light Flagstaff is a war memorial in Madison Square Park in Manhattan that rises 125 feet (38 meters) above the park with a luminous star at its summit. A pink granite pedestal decorated with bronze ornaments forms its base and is surrounded by paved pathways.
The memorial was dedicated on November 11, 1923, honoring American service members who returned from World War I and were officially received at this location in 1918. It marks a significant moment of national recognition for returning troops.
The memorial functions as a gathering place for yearly ceremonies honoring veterans, particularly during Memorial Day and Veterans Day observances. Visitors and locals come together to pay respects and remember those who served.
The monument stands at the southern end of Madison Square Park and remains accessible year-round with benches and paved pathways surrounding it. The location is easy to reach on foot and offers good sightlines for visitors.
The star at the top contains multiple electrical circuits designed to maintain constant illumination, ensuring the memorial light never goes dark. This technical feature makes it one of the few monuments whose light operates continuously.
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