City To Establish New Veterans Monument

City Seeking Qualified Bids for Design/Construction Management Services

New Bedford, Massachusetts– The City of New Bedford is seeking bids from qualified firms to provide design and construction management services for a contemporary memorial landscape dedicated to Greater New Bedford residents who have served in post-9/11 conflicts.

The purpose of the monument is to recognize residents for the military service during the ongoing Global War on Terrorism, which includes Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Mayor Mitchell originally announced the city’s intention to establish an advisory committee to oversee the monument at a 9/11 memorial service in 2021. The advisory committee, made up of members from the Veterans Advisory Board, local artists, and members of various city departments, have met throughout the year to determine the scope and location of the project.

“I believe that New Bedford, with its rich history of military service, should have an appropriate and fitting monument honoring our residents who served in post-9/11 conflicts,” said Mayor Mitchell. “I thank the advisory committee for their work thus far, and I look forward to a monument that exalts their service and prompts future generations to reflect on the costs borne by those who stepped forward when their nation called.”

Dan Goulart, co-chair of the committee, Veterans Advisory Board member and Operation Enduring Freedom veteran said, “It was an honor to work with my fellow veterans, city planners, and other volunteers on the New Bedford GWOT Memorial Committee. I’m really excited to see that the city is moving forward with the design phase of the project in such a timely manner. Hundreds of local veterans, their families, and area residents were impacted by the events of 9/11 and its decades long aftermath.  This memorial will honor the sacrifice and ongoing service of our military members and provide an important focal point for people to reflect upon and process the complicated mix of heroism, pride, and profound loss that these events represent.”

“I am honored to serve on the advisory board for the design of the proposed monument to honor those who have served during the Global War on Terrorism,” said advisory board member and Ward 6 Councilor Ryan Pereira. “From Fort Taber’s endless military tributes to the howitzers that flank veterans’ graves in Rural Cemetery, we proudly honor those who served in our armed forces, and I am pleased to know that the South End will continue in this tradition by hosting this important monument.”

The selected bidder will work with the Advisory Committee and city staff, as well as engaging the public and various veteran groups to conceptualize an appropriate design. The full RFQ can be found on the City of New Bedford’s website under the Purchasing Department webpage.

The advisory committee is evaluating locations for the monument in the vicinity of West Beach in the South End.