Flatiron District in Manhattan in New York County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Eternal Light Flagstaff

Madison Square Park

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, March 26, 2011

1. Eternal Light Flagstaff Marker

Inscription. This monumental flagstaff honors those victorious forces of the United States Army and Navy who were officially received at this site following the armistice and the conclusion of World War I. The monument was commissioned by Rodman Wanamaker at the cost of $25,000.

The massive stepped ornamental pedestal, made of Milford pink granite, is inscribed with dedicatory tributes to those who served their country in World War I, and lists also the names of significant battle sites. It was designed by Thomas Hastings (1860-1929), whose architectural firm Carrere and Hastings was responsible for many notable buildings, including the New York Public Library. The lavish decorative bronze cap at the base of the flagstaff includes garlands and rams heads, and was sculpted by Paul Wayland Bartlett (1865-1925). The monument supports a star-shaped luminaire at the top of the pole, which is intended to be lit at all times as an eternal tribute to those who paid the supreme sacrifice.

The monument was dedicated on Armistice Day, November 11, 1923, and each year is the site where the annual Veterans Day parade concludes, and official ceremonies are conducted.

Erected 2001 by City of New York Parks & Recreation.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, World I. A significant historical month for this entry is November 1943.

Location.

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40° 44.523′ N, 73° 59.324′ W. Marker is in Manhattan, New York, in New York County. It is in the Flatiron District. Marker is at the intersection of Broadway and 5th Avenue, on the left when traveling south on Broadway. Marker is located on the east side of Madison Square Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: New York NY 10010, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. To Our Heroes (here, next to this marker); Young Australia League (within shouting distance of this marker); 200 Fifth Avenue Clock (within shouting distance of this marker); Welcome to Madison Square Park! / Care for Your Park (within shouting distance of this marker); William H. Seward (within shouting distance of this marker); Star of Hope (within shouting distance of this marker); Fifth Avenue Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the New York City Pride March (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Manhattan.

Also see . . .
1. Eternal Light Flagstaff. New York City Department of Parks & Recreation website. (Submitted on April 1, 2011, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)

2. The Eternal Light Flagstaff - Madison Square. Daytonian in Manhattan website entry (Submitted on September 4, 2021, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)

Marker on Broadway image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, March 26, 2011

2. Marker on Broadway

Flagstaff in Madison Square Park image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, March 26, 2011

3. Flagstaff in Madison Square Park

The stepped granite pedestal and bronze cap mentioned on the marker can be seen in this photo.

Eternal Light Flagstaff image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, March 26, 2011

4. Eternal Light Flagstaff

This photo of the flagstaff was taken from inside Madison Square Park.

Credits. This page was last revised on January 31, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 1, 2011, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 709 times since then and 30 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on April 1, 2011, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.