Pines Bridge Monument Committee to Unveil Model and Design of Yorktown Monument

• Editor's Note: The following is a press release submitted by . Kahn is Pines Bridge Monument Committe member and a board trustee of the Yorktown Historical Society.

The Pines Bridge Monument Committee (PBMC), in conjunction with the Yorktown Chamber of Commerce, the Yorktown Historical Society, and the Yorktown Planning Department is pleased to announce the selection of a sculptor and design for the Battle of Pines Bridge Monument.  

The committee be holding a press conference on Saturday, Nov. 5 at 11 a.m. at Downing Park in Yorktown Heights (across from the First Presbyterian Church at 2880 Crompond Rd/ Rt 132 and Rt 202.)

Members of the committee will unveil the model/design for the Battle of Pines Bridge Monument and answer questions regarding the history of the project itself, the American Soldiers it will be commemorating, and all about the people working together to bring this project to fruition.

This committee publicly solicited a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) in search of a sculptor. From 25 responses received, the PBMC narrowed down the available contenders to four. On June 17, the four sculptors came to town hall to present their respective designs/vision for this project.

After months deliberating and considering the diverse designs, we have entered into negotiations with renowned sculptor Jay Warren from Rogue River, Oregon. Mr. Warren's previous commissions include both portions of the New Jersey World War II Memorial, the New Jersey Korean War Memorial, Victims of Terrorism Memorial at the Raritan Bay Waterfront Park overlooking the World Trade Center Site; John Coltrane Monument in HighPoint, NC, and the Sojourner Truth Memorial in Northampton, MA among many others (www.warrensculpture.com).

Anticipated costs for the project are approximately $300,000. We have begun an aggressive fundraising and grant writing campaign. The final decision for the site selection is still being finalized as we are scheduled to go before town agencies to discuss appropriate sites.

Numerous letters of support and blessing from noted historians, re-enactor groups, and otherpublic and private citizens and organizations continue to be received, including one from Pulitzer Prize winning author and Presidential Medal of Freedom winner David McCullough.

We would like to thank everyone who showed their excitement, enthusiasm, and support for the first phase of this project. We look forward to the continued support of the community, its elected officials, businesses and the school districts to bring this endeavor to a successful conclusion.

The first of many fundraisers will be held on Nov. 20 from 4-6 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, the burial site of Colonel Christopher Greene who led the Rhode Island Regiment. For more information call 914-218-7005.

On May 14, 1781, just after sunrise there was a surprise attack on the first Rhode Island Regiment headquartered at the Davenport House in Croton Heights. This regiment comprised of African American, Native American and European American soldiers under the command of Colonel Christopher Greene.