Arlington World War II Memorial

Details

WORLD WAR II MEMORIAL 

 The World War II Memorial in Downtown Arlington is located between City Hall and the George W. Hawkes Downtown Library. It consists of a life-sized statue of National Medal of Honor recipient Neel E. Kearby and four markers honoring Arlington citizens who answered the call to arms during World War II, honoring their stories of heroism and local legacy.

Colonel Neel E. Kearby Life‑sized Bronze Statue and Texas Historical Marker 

This striking bronze statue is of Col. Neel E. Kearby, Arlington’s only Medal of Honor recipient from World War II. Kearby was a decorated Army Air Force fighter pilot and is memorialized in full flight uniform. The statue was created by Texas-based artist Paul Tadlock, a noted sculptor who has created works for museums, galleries, public placement, and private collections around the world.The statue stands atop a granite base beside a Texas Historical Commission marker that tells his story, creating a dramatic focal point for the entire memorial.   

Tribute to Arlington Heroes Who Gave the Ultimate Sacrifice (1941-1945) 

This granite plaque lists the names of 50 servicemen from Arlington who died defending the cause during World War II in Europe, North Africa, Asia and the Pacific. The inscription honors their selfless sacrifice and invites visitors to pause, reflect and acknowledge the human cost of freedom.  

Tribute to the Wartime Role of the North Texas Agricultural College (1923‑1949) 

This plaque explains how the North Texas Agricultural College (now the University of Texas at Arlington) mobilized over 5,000 students, faculty and alumni during World War II and how theinstitution’s contributions helped shape the city’s wartime legacy.  

In Memoriam – Lest We Forget honoring all Arlington Veterans of the Armed Forces 

This solemn plaque, entitled In Memoriam – Lest We Forget, honors both the men and women from Arlington who entered the armed forces during World War II. It serves as a broad reminder that freedom is defended by all who choose to serve.  

Learn More 

• en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neel_E._Kearby  

• downtownarlington.org/post/arlington-world-war-ii-memorial  

• arlingtontoday.com/the-new-arlington-world-war-ii-memorial-helps-the-city-pay-homage-to-our-local-warriors  

About the Downtown Arlington Public Art Program  

The Downtown Arlington Public Art Program seeks to engage and inspire our community through art in public spaces. This memorial was funded in part by the City of Arlington Historic Preservation Fund and efforts by the Arlington Historical Society. To find more public art in Downtown Arlington, visit the links at the bottom of this webpage. Downtown Arlington is the Arlington Cultural District.