World War I Memorial on Baptist Common

Before there was a World War II, what we now designate as World War I was usually called the "Great War" or simply the "World War." North Attleborough has honored its citizens who served in World War I in three different locations. The most familiar is the World War I Memorial Park and Zoo on Elmwood Street. The second is the World War Memorial Cairn, located in Municipal Park in front of Town Hall, which lists the names of all 456 North Attleborough veterans who served.

The third monument is located at the tip of Baptist Common, between Park and North Washington Streets. It is in the form of a large stone with an elaborate plaque, featuring an eagle with outstretched wings at the top. Beneath the eagle are the dates 1914 to 1918, followed by the words:

"In a righteous cause they have won immortal glory and have nobly served their nation in serving mankind."

The plaque then lists the names of the 16 North Attleborough soldiers who died serving "over there." At the bottom of the plaque are the words:

"Erected by American Legion Post Number 49 of North Attleborough to their friends who made the supreme sacrifice in the World War."

This monument was dedicated with much fanfare in 1935. In recent years it had become neglected. It was restored to its former glory by Eagle Scout candidate Kyle McGuire, who removed the trees that obscured it and added a granite bench and walkway to the site. On November 10, 2010, a ceremony was held in which the town formally accepted the upgraded monument and thanked Kyle McGuire for his restoration efforts.

It should be noted that the World War I Memorial on Baptist Common is located just footsteps from the September 11, 2001 Memorial, which had been dedicated in 2005 and was the result of another Eagle Scout project spearheaded by Kyle's older brother, Scott P. McGuire.