The Town of Colonie Veterans Memorial Committee broke ground for the Town of Colonie Veterans Memorial on May 3, 2008 which will be located in The Crossings of Colonie. Scheduled for completion in November of 2008, the memorial will honor Town residents who have proudly taken up arms to ensure the preservation of this country’s liberties and freedoms.

The Robert L. Weininger Memorial VFW Post 8692 and the Town of Colonie are pleased to work together to make plans for the building of a Veterans Memorial to be located in The Crossings of Colonie. This 2,500 square foot memorial will serve to honor all Town veterans, living and deceased, for their courage and sacrifice. As a passive park, The Crossings of Colonie is a fitting place to host and maintain this memorial, since reflection is one of its primary purposes.

“This memorial will create a lasting symbol that honors veterans in the Colonie community that served in the past, recognizes those serving today and brings awareness to future generations of the dedication and sacrifice that veterans made for our country,” said Robert A. LaDuke, Committee Chairman.

Designed by Einhorn Yaffee Prescott Architecture & Engineering P.C., the new memorial will feature six stone plaques (representing army, navy, air force, marines, coast guard and merchant marines) mounted to a bluestone retaining wall, in front of which will run a narrow reflective pool. The names of Town veterans will be inscribed on stone pavers placed in front of the memorial. The handicapped accessible, tree-lined setting will also feature a distinctive flagpole, benches and will be connected to the existing bike path.

Speakers included U.S. Congressman Michael R. McNulty, Albany County Executive Michael G. Breslin, Colonie Town Supervisor Paula A. Mahan and Robert L. Weininger Memorial VFW Post 8692 and Town of Colonie Veterans Memorial Committee Chairman, Robert A. LaDuke.

Members of the committee are raising money to fund the project which will be paid
for entirely by community donations. The project is estimated to cost $125,000.