Protectors of the American Way - Norwood, MA
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NorStar
N 42° 11.674 W 071° 12.032
19T E 318308 N 4673723
The bronze statue that sits at one corner of the town common is prominently placed at the corner of a busy intersection in downtown Norwood and has four sets of figures, three of which are military personnel, and one of a man, woman, and child.
Waymark Code: WM7KWZ
Location: Massachusetts, United States
Date Posted: 11/06/2009
Views: 6
In the center of Norwood, where Washington and Nahatan Streets intersect, there is a statue that stands on one corner that is a combination of bronze figures and a granite base and pillar. This statue, entitled, Protectors of the American Way, is a tribute to the branches of the military which are fighting for the security of families at home. It appears that this is a monument to all who served rather than a monument to any one war.
The sculpture stands about 15'x8'x8'. On the base stands three figures, looking off in three directions. Toward the intersection is a bronze plaque in the shape of the town seal and laurals.
On the side facing the intersection, the bronze town seal has an image of a colonial farmer, Aaron Guild, who left his plow and took up arms to fight in Concord (the first protector). The inscription on this side reads, "Protectors of the American Way" and "The Price of Freedom is Eternal Vigilance."
Going clockwise, the bronze figure is of a man with binoculars and a beret. Above him is the inscription, "Remember those who served for us."
In the back, the bronze figure is of a man in a somewhat relaxed pose holding onto the strap to the gun, slung behind. Above him is the inscription, "They served so that we may live in peace." To the left and below the figure's knee is the inscription, "Donated by Frank R and Elizabeth V Simoni 1991.
Going clockwise to the fourth side, the bronze figure is of a man holding a gun and is wearing a helmet. Above him is the inscription, "For the love of family and love of country."
According to the book, "Norwood, A History," Frank Simoni, a real estate developer, was so moved by the many monuments seen on a trip to Europe that, in 1988, he, a veteran of two wars, himself, decided to commission a statue of his own.
One discrepancy between the Smithsonian account and the book's account is that the Smithsonian entry has, as the artist, Moisey Altshuler, while the book states that Robert Shure of Woburn was the sculpture. Shure had produced other sculptures in town, including a Fireman Memorial placed in the Highland Cemetery in Norwood.
The statue appears to be in good condition.
Source:
Fanning, Patricia J. The Making of America Series: Norwood - A History. Arcadia Publishing; Charleston South Carolina, p. 155-156.
TITLE: Protectors of the American Way
ARTIST(S): Moisey S. Altshuler
DATE: 1991
MEDIUM: Bronze on Stone
CONTROL NUMBER: MA000737
Direct Link to the Individual Listing in the Smithsonian Art Inventory: [Web Link]
PHYSICAL LOCATION:
Norwood Town Common, Corner of Washington and Nahatan Streets.
DIFFERENCES NOTED BETWEEN THE INVENTORY LISTING AND YOUR OBSERVATIONS AND RESEARCH:
The Smithsonian entry states that the sculptor was Moisey Altshuler, while the book, "Norwood: A History," states that the sculptor was Robert Shure of Woburn.
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