Sunny weather, cold drinks, hot dogs; Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer and, for many in New Jersey, the beginning of long days lying on the sand down the shore. With high energy and fun plans, it’s easy to forget why we take off work the last Monday of May. Memorial Day is a national holiday to commemorate those who died while serving our country. Several spots around Hoboken and Jersey City honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. Read on to learn about the history of Memorial Day and some of the memorials around Hoboken and Jersey City.
A Brief History Of Memorial Day
The tradition of honoring those who died while serving our country dates back to the Civil War. The first Memorial Day was May 30th, 1868, to commemorate the sacrifices of Civil War soldiers. Gen. John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic, which was an organization of former Union soldiers, proclaimed the day of remembrance. It was known then as “Decoration Day” because of the tradition of decorating the graves of soldiers with flowers, wreaths, and flags. As time went on, the name shifted to include all who served our country, not just Civil War veterans.
From 1868 to 1970, the holiday was observed on May 30th each year. New York was the first state to make it a legal holiday in 1873. It switched to the last Monday of May after Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act in 1968, which moved several federal holidays to Mondays throughout the year. It created long weekends, which is why we commonly refer to the last weekend of May as Memorial Day Weekend.
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And a reminder — we honor all those who serve our country on Veterans Day, which is always celebrated on November 11th. Memorial Day is a more somber day, specifically remembering those who died in the line of duty.
Several memorials around Hoboken and Jersey City honor the men and women who died while serving in the US military. While locals may walk by these statues and plaques every day, Memorial Day is a special time to reflect on what the memorials mean not only to the brave servicemen who died, but their families and the community.
Memorials in Hoboken
World War I Memorial | Sinatra Drive
Photo Credit: Hoboken Historical Museum
Hoboken played a large part in the USA’s contribution to World War I. The government designated Hoboken as the main Port of Embarkation, so about two million men traveled through the city before heading to Europe between 1917 and 1918. The memorial pays tribute to all the Americans who traveled through Hoboken to serve our country. The plaque on the rock reads, “Dedicated to the valiant American expeditionary forces who embarked from this port to participate in the World War.”
World War II Memorial | Sinatra Drive
This memorial honors Hoboken soldiers who died while serving our country in World War II. The memorial was put up in 2008 by the Hoboken World War II Memorial Fund Committee. It’s located right next to Pier C Park, so views of the city complement the statue commemorating the 159 soldiers who gave their lives.
Vietnam War Memorial | Sinatra Drive
Not too far away from the World War II memorial is the Vietnam War Memorial. It honors the soldiers who died in war and those soldiers who went missing and never made it home. The memorial reads, “Not Forgotten,” in large letters, paying tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Memorials in Jersey City
Korean War Veterans Memorial | Washington Street
This memorial honors Hudson County residents who died during the Korean War. Built in 2002, the sculpture depicts a soldier helping another injured soldier, and carved into the black granite surrounding the two men are the names of 126 soldiers from Hudson County killed in the war. The design is based on a winning design from a competition held by the Stevens Institute of Technology. It’s located adjacent to Morris Canal Park and along the Hudson River Waterfront Walkway.
The Soldiers + Sailors Memorial | City Hall Park
Outside City Hall in Jersey City, a massive statue of a woman with her arm outstretched watches over the city. It honors the people who died while fighting in the Civil War. In the 1800s, the Veterans Association of Hudson County wanted a Civil War memorial in Jersey City and held a competition among artists for the honor of displaying their best statue. Out of 39 artists, a French artist named Philip H. Martiny was selected to build his memorial.
Inspired by the Roman goddess of war, Bellona, Martiny designed the nine-foot bronze statue of a woman sitting with a helmet, sword, and a laurel wreath. It’s thought she’s extending her hand to soldiers. The names of Civil War veterans and the battles they fought in are engraved on the pedestal below.
It has a special connection to Memorial Day, for it was dedicated on Memorial Day in 1899. According to New Jersey City University, this was not met with joy. Many veterans were not happy with the statue, nor were local artists who also competed to have their artwork displayed outside City Hall. This resulted in holding many Memorial Day activities and other events in other parts of the city.
Pershing Field Memorial Park | 201 Central Avenue
Pershing Field is home to basketball courts, a playground, and tennis courts in The Heights. It’s also the home of several memorials to Jersey City residents who served our country in World War I, the Vietnam War, and the Korean War. The park is a memorial in itself — it’s named after Gen. John J. Pershing, who served in World War I.
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A statue titled “America Triumphant” honors the 147 soldiers from Jersey City killed in World War I. On Memorial Day in 2001, local officials dedicated The Jersey City Vietnam Veterans Memorial. It honors the 68 men from Jersey City killed in the Vietnam War and dozens of men and women impacted by the war after coming home from overseas. As you walk through the park, you may notice small stone markers with plaques. They have the names of Hudson County veterans from both World Wars, honoring their sacrifice to our country.
As we get ready to enjoy the warm summer months, these memorials serve as a reminder of the brave men and women who fought to protect our country. This Memorial Day, take a moment to reflect on their sacrifices and dedication to our country by visiting these memorials around Hoboken and Jersey City.
13 DIY Activities to Try in Hoboken + Jersey City
Hoboken and Jersey City have lots of possibilities when it comes to learning a new skill or creating a masterpiece of your own. DIY classes can be fun as a solo day, a date night or a group activity. Locally, there are several classes and events that will get the creative juices flowing and improve various skills. Read on to learn more about DIY classes and events in Hoboken and Jersey City, New Jersey.
Hoboken
ArteVino Studio | 720 Monroe Street
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Turning into a painter for a night is not as hard as it may seem with the guidance of the skilled instructors at ArteVino. Located in the Monroe Center, ArteVino regularly hosts paint classes where guests are guided through how to recreate an artistic masterpiece. Or, for those who are more advanced and want to try painting on their own, the studio has open-access options. To check out the full schedule and book a class, click here.
Blue Skies Pottery | 720 Monroe Street #C414
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Blue Skies Pottery is one of the few one-time pottery locations in the area. It’s located inside the Monroe Center and allows guests to try their hand at a potters’ wheel during one-time classes or by signing up for a multi-week course. Individual events are also offered for various groups or to hone certain skills. Reservations are required and can be made on the site here.
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Hudson Table | 1403 Clinton Street
Hudson Table is one of Hudson County’s most popular DIY class locations. At Hudson Table, guests can expect a highly interactive cooking class with renowned chef instructors. The hands-on classes have themed menus that cover a wide range of cuisines including Italian Bistro, Spanish Tapas, Texan Steakhouse, and more. The classes sell out quickly, but booking alerts can be made on the Hudson Table website. To book a class, click here.
Ivy Mane Studio | 1012 Grand Street
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Ivy Mane Studio promises a ‘more creative you’ through its DIY concrete-pouring workshops. This Hoboken art studio has a variety of classes where participants can make items such as vases, ashtrays, table games, and more. Individual class pricing ranges from $75-$105 or private events can be hosted to celebrate any occasion. To learn more about upcoming classes and to register, click here.
Mosaic Art Studio | 50 Harrison Street
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Participants can learn the art of Turkish lamp-making right in Hoboken. Mosaic Art Studio, located inside the Mission 50 co-working space, provides both a history lesson and an opportunity to make a creative piece. Guests start with a briefing on the history of Turkish lamp-making before being guided through how to make their own. As the project dries, guests are treated to Turkish treats before getting a grout kit to complete the project at home. To pre-book tickets and to learn more, click here.
New Jersey Coffee School | 720 Monroe Center
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Coffee is a way of life and those who are really into it can try to develop the skill of coffee making at the New Jersey Coffee School. While this location focuses more on skill-building for professionals, there are some classes for amateurs as well. The art of latte making is a great way to learn more about creating beautiful drinks from the comfort of home. The New Jersey Coffee School is consistently providing new classes for all skill levels. To learn more and to book a class, click here.
Sushi Making Class at Saku Hoboken | 936 Park Avenue
Saku Hoboken provides a lesson in the art of sushi making without an expensive plane ticket to Japan. Its “Rolling with the Homies” sushi class is great for an individual activity, a date night, or for a group of friends. Each guest will learn how to make rice wine vinegar and three sushi rolls. Tickets are $75 and classes are provided on Tuesdays from 6PM-8PM. To learn more, click here.
Tipsy Tie-Dye | 155 1st Street
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Partying with color is the vibe at Tipsy Tie-Dye. Guests can choose from any items for sale in the shop such as sweatshirts, pants, and t-shirts to dye or items can be brought in from home to dye. Tickets are open to guests of all ages until 5:30PM and then the venue turns to adults-only from 5:30PM-10:30PM. The classes are not formal, but Tipsy Tie-Dye team members are available to help guests with the process. To learn more about getting a reservation or booking a private event, click here.
Urban Arts | 720 Monroe Street
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Urban Arts is a children’s art studio located in the Monroe Center. In addition to the wide range of programs prvided for children, Urban Arts can be booked for a DIY class private event for guests of any age. Instructors are ready to assist with art mediums like pastels, acrylic paints, watercolors, colored pencils, and more. To learn more and inquire about pricing, click here.
Jersey City
Academy Darkroom | 279 Pine Street
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Photography is a true art form and Academy Darkroom in Jersey City is a great place to learn. Students can learn how to shoot on a film camera and how to develop film. Classes are provided by the semester and sign-ups are available throughout the year. To learn more and to sign up for a course, click here.
Art Mango | Jersey City
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After a session at Art Mango, you’ll be asking “Picasso who?” Art Mango is a paint and sip studio that hosts painting parties with small businesses in Jersey City. Instructors will guide students through re-creating a beautiful painting regardless of skill level. To check out which paintings are coming up next and to book a spot, click here.
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Atacama Clay Studio | 533 Central Avenue
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Would-be artists can unleash their inner potter at Atacama Clay Studio in Jersey City. This pottery studio has a class type for everyone: those who are just looking to try their hand at the wheel in a one-time class or, those looking to master the art, there are semester-long classes and membership opportunities. Skilled instructors are available at each session to guide students through the art of pottery and answer questions. To learn more about the class types and to secure a spot, click here.
Betty’s Ceramic Club + Supply Co | 224 9th Street
Betty’s Ceramic Club is located on 9th Street in Jersey City. This pottery haven has opportunities for beginners and advanced potters alike through membership options, six-week sessions, four-week short classes and even one-time opportunities. Betty’s also invites those who want to share the art with family and friends to celebrate special occasions with the shop’s party and event packages. To learn more about offerings and to book a class, click here.
