By Jim Farfaglia
There’s a rich history in our city. It can be found everywhere you look. And certainly one place to find it is Fulton’s War Memorial. Ever since it was built, in 1953, it has stood as a symbol of so much of what Fultonians value: the servicemen and women who fought for our freedom, the crowd-pleasing sporting events like basketball tournaments, and the community center where we gather for special occasions.
Over the War Memorial’s decades of service to Fulton, many have honored it by maintaining its surrounding grounds. The city’s Parks and Recreation Department takes care of its playing fields and keeps the public spaces clean and inviting. Volunteer groups have pitched in, including various Garden Clubs over the years that planted flowers and shrubs to enhance the building’s exterior. And the Fulton Veterans Council has overseen a special section of the War Memorial grounds.
Known as the “Walk of History,” it’s located on the north side of the building. This walkway includes a series of bronze memorials for each of the wars in which Fultonians fought, honoring the sacrifice of those men and women. We have this poignant memorial because of lifelong resident and U.S. Navy veteran Warren Jenkins, who, in 2003, made a pledge to create the Walk of History.
One can imagine that Jenkins’ motivation for this project came after his experience serving in the Navy. After enlisting in January of 1944, Jenkins soon found himself involved in World War II efforts taking place throughout Europe, including in Normandy, where he served on the U.S.S. Hunter Marshall, a destroyer-escort. Honorably discharged in May of 1946, Jenkins immediately enlisted in the Navy Reserve, where he became a ship signalman and a signal-and-radio operator until 1950.
Jenkins never forgot what he saw during his years in the military, and when he noted that fifty years had gone by since he served, he thought that there should be some way for Fultonians to remember the sacrifices of their family members and neighbors. He thought that a Walk of History would honor, as well as educate, the public about America’s past wars and conflicts. He decided that a plaque to represent each of those wars would be appropriate. Eleven bronze plaques were set in an arc around a main memorial.
“My father was very patriotic and had a vision for the people of Fulton, current and future,” said Carolyn Holland. “Dad wanted Fultonians to always remember the men and women who fought for our freedoms. Although Dad spoke very little about his years in World War II and his experiences in Normandy, he was proud to have served his country. Dad taught me patriotism and to always honor our flag.”
While enjoying the Walk of History, visitors may notice its brick pathway. These bricks are not just an attractive setting for the walkway; they also serve as memorials, with each brick engraved with names and other information. This unique pathway has been created through the generosity of community members, organizations and companies that have chosen to support the Walk of History project and Fulton veterans.
“As a longtime member of our Fulton Veterans Council, Warren Jenkins presented his idea to our members,” said Council member Donna Kestner. “We immediately supported him and were anxious to help. The Walk of History soon took shape and we now have over 830 engraved bricks. People from our community, all across the USA and even from other countries have ordered bricks. Anyone can purchase a brick, even if they or a family member aren’t veterans. We welcome everyone’s support of this program.”
When Jenkins grew ill, Holland returned to Fulton to help take care of him. In 2021, he passed away and she remembers that one of the last things her father said to her was to make sure that the Walk of History is maintained and continues to educate the public. In recent years, Holland has replaced some of the Weeping Cherry trees forming a natural background of the arc that have died.
Holland thought that perhaps the current Fulton Garden Club, of which she is a member, could help restore the beauty of the memorial area. Meetings with Garden Club organizer Jim Farfaglia and Club member/horticulturalist Dan Carroll resulted in a plan to enhance the Walk area with new plants and trees.
“A reimagined garden will maintain the design of both the trees that were originally planted and the hardscape area,” Carroll explained. “New design elements will include replacing the Weeping Cherries with hardier trees that will not become overgrown. Additions of elegant planter boxes filled with annual flowers will mark each memorial plaque as one moves along the brick-paved area. This updated design and planting scheme will provide visitors a quiet and peaceful space to experience the sacred space.”
As Kestner noted, “Still today, Warren is remembered at our meetings for his vision of a lasting tribute to our Veterans. With the contributions of his daughter, Carolyn; his wife, Arlene; the Fulton Garden Club; horticulturalist Dan Carroll; the City of Fulton; and the Fulton Veterans Council members, this area will continue to be a place of honor and beauty.”
Holland added, “I miss my dad, but know he is watching over me and smiling. I hope the new additions to the Walk of History will continue to honor Dad’s memory and the timeless courage of all our veterans.”
Fundraising to improve Warren Jenkins’ Walk of History at the War Memorial is currently taking place. Donations can be made to the Fulton Veterans Council, PO Box 93, Fulton, NY 13069. Put “Walk of History” in the memo section of the check. For more information about the Walk of History and the brick engraving program, please contact Donna Kestner at (315) 598-9696.