WWII Monument rededicated
By Rachel Haynie

The relocation

Refurbished WWII monument honors fallen patriots from new location, across Blossom Street, still in Five Points

The City of Columbia wanted to move a granite monument honoring WWII veterans out of Five Points to make way for a fountain much to the dismay of The Woman's Club of Columbia. After numerous conversations and deliberations, the club prevailed, and the City of Columbia pledged its support to ease the transition to a new site across Blossom Street, still on Saluda Avenue in Five Points.

The granite monument had been located in the median near the point where Devine and Blossom streets meet Saluda Avenue. It was obscured by foliage in recent years.

The rededication

On Veterans' Day, the monument was rededicated to the armed service personnel of Richland County who gave their lives in WWII. Rows of veterans invited by The Woman's Club saluted their fallen comrades and the flag. Fox Company, 4th LAR, USMCR posted the colors and raised the American flag.

Woman's Club president Virginia Beale presided at a podium set near the monument site. Rev. Tom Grove gave the invocation, and later the benediction. A five-piece brass quintet of the 282nd US Army Band, attached to Fort Jackson, rendered the National Anthem.

Jan Hadwin, chair of the re-dedication committee welcomed veterans and gave a brief history of the monument.

The Rededication Committee was comprised of Jan W. Hadwin, Jane Marchant, Dottie Hampton, Barbara Davis, and Virginia Beale, ex-officio.

History of the WWII Monument

The simple, dignified monument had originally been erected and unveiled, largely through efforts of The Woman's Club of Columbia, on April 27, 1947. Gov. Strom Thurmond was the keynote speaker, and two Gold Star sons, William L. "Buddy" Lynch Jr, son of the late Captain William L. Lynch, and Richard "Ricky" LaRoque, son of the late Major Richard LaRoque, unveiled the monument before a gathering of distinguished guests.

The monument

Fashioned of Winnsboro granite in three-tier style, the monument features a bronze commemorative plaque and four bronze insignia to represent the four branches of service. The tallest of the three tiers is topped by a bronze eagle.

When the Woman's Club began the initiative to re-dedicate the monument to be removed from its original location, members determined the piece

needed to be repaired and refurbished before being re-introduced to the public.

Master monument artisan Ron Clamp of Stone Crafters, headquartered in Pelion, undertook the restoration project and was recognized from the podium for his diligence. Clamp added two granite benches, set near the base of the monument, to create a place where visitors could sit in quiet reflection.

Celebrate Freedom Foundation

The Woman's Club was joined in the rededication service by The Celebrate Freedom Foundation. Bruce Cotner represented The Celebrate Freedom Foundation in the arrangements, and numerous members of Celebrate Freedom were present for the brief outdoor occasion.