This page was last updated on 22 January 2010.

This is an ALL ENCOMPASSING MEMORIAL.
It was designed by Keith Buff of  Einhorn Yaffee Prescott Architecture & Engineering PC. The new memorial features six stone plaques (representing the Army, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard, Air Force and Merchant Marines) mounted to a bluestone retaining wall, in front of which will run a narrow reflective pool.

The names of town Veterans are inscribed on stone paver bricks placed in front of the memorial. The handicapped accessible, tree-lined setting also features a distinctive flagpole, benches and is connected to the existing bike/walking/running path.

Keith Buff's rendering of the Colonie Veterans Memorial was as follows--

Project Narrative:

Introduction--

The Colonie Veterans Memorial at The Crossings of Colonie was a collaborative design effort between Einhorn Yaffee Prescott and interested community members. The basis of the design was to pay homage to those citizens of this town that have served in any of the six branches of the Armed Services in any conflict, while always being conscience of The Crossings natural surroundings. Below is a brief description of the final memorial design--

The Wall--

The memorial consists of a curved, sloped wall that is clad in heldeberg blue stone that is found throughout the park in a variety of applications. The wall is approximately 60' in length dimensioned from one end to the other and is anchored by a 16' wide by 8' high wall that will display six stone plaques that represent the six branches of service. The plaques are approximately 2' wide by 3' feet high and will be set in the stone wall above a small reflecting pool. Below each stone plaque there will be a linear spout that 'give' water to this reflecting pool. Undoubtedly a metaphor for the giving of service or life to something larger than itself. This 15' long by 6' wide by 6" deep reflecting pool will also be clad in blue stone and lend itself to the auditory ambience of a water feature. Above the plaques will be the dedication plaque inscribed with: "Erected And Dedicated In Memory Of All Who Have Served And To Those Who Gave Their Lives In The Service Of Our Country In All Her Conflicts - By The Citizens Of The Town Of Colonie." Centered behind the wall will be a flag pole that adds to the symmetry and the desire to have the stone plaques as the focal point of the memorial.

The Pavers--

In front of the reflecting pool will be stone pavers that will be inscribed with the names of town citizens that have served their country. These stone pavers will rest in the curve of the wall and offer an area of reflectance. The metaphor here is, the outstretched arms of the wall embrace these individuals while at the same time welcoming all who visit. at the perimeter of these pavers is another layer of pavers what will serve as a walkway around the memorial and ultimately the connection to the existing pathway. These pavers would also have the capability of being inscribed and the ability to serve our future armed service members.

The Ambience--

It is imperative that this memorial fit into its natural surrounding and at the same time be dramatic. The shear size of this memorial will lend to the drama, but how we treat the lightening, landscaping and the associated surroundings will also play a role in this drama. The plaques, reflecting pool and flag pole will be undoubtedly lit, but the approach to the memorial should also be carefully considered. This truly is a place of reflectance and it is this reflectance that needs to be portrayed in the ambience.