In order to pay lasting tribute to our Lindenhurst veterans and to help beautify Lindenhurst, the Trustees inaugurated a project to design and install a series of Lexan-protected stained glass memorial windows on the library's Wellwood Avenue window wall.

 

The first meeting of the Windows on Wellwood project committee was held on September 24, 1998. Representatives from Lindenhurst's veterans' organizations, the library, the Friends of the Arts, and the community attended. The committee's task was to solicit and review original designs for the windows, select an artist to interpret the design in stained glass, and raise funds for the project. Over the course of the year, many people worked to turn this dream into reality.

The Windows on Wellwood were designed, fabricated and installed on time in order to be dedicated at the traditional Veterans Day ceremony.On November 7, 1999, following the parade in Lindenhurst to commemorate Veterans Day, the memorial stained glass windows were unveiled and dedicated before an excited crowd of several hundred people. The windows completely fill the window space in an area measuring approximately 22 feet by 7 feet on the Wellwood Avenue side of the library building, marking the successful completion of the project.

As part of the fundraising effort, engraved stars were purchased to honor living or deceased veterans. In all, 245 blue and gold (for those killed in action) stars were sold. The 15 gold stars were mounted directly on the windows. Because there was not sufficient space on the the windows to accommodate all 230 blue stars, a special oak cabinet was constructed. This new display cabinet is located under three small stained glass windows which are adjacent to the large commemorative windows. The cabinet is engraved with the motto, "For Those Who Served", and was dedicated before a large gathering of veterans, legislators and community members on Memorial Day weekend, May 27, 2000.