J.D. Hamel Park

"In loving memory of the valiant of Sarasota County who gave their lives to preserve for their loved ones and you the priceless heritage of liberty obtained by our forefathers."

The Doughboy
A bronze World War I soldier known as the “Spirit of the American Doughboy” was unveiled on May 25, 1998, in a Memorial Day ceremony. It was reproduced by Sarasota sculptor Frank Colson from an original created in the 1920 by Ernest Moore Visquesney. The soldier’s charge across “No Man’s Land’ on a European battlefield completed an extensive monument restoration project commissioned by the Patriotic Observance Committee of the Sarasota County Veterans Commission. It was funded by public and private donations.

Sarasota War Memorial
The Sarasota War Memorial was commissioned by American Legion Bay Post 30 and designed by architect Clare C. Hosmer. On November 11, 1928, it was dedicated at the city’s Five Points intersection in a ceremony observing the 10th anniversary of Armistice Day. It remained at Five Points until 1954, when the city relocated it to what is now Chaplain J.D. Hamel Park. The monument recognized all residents who have answered their country’s call, and honors those who died in World War I and subsequent conflicts.

Owned and operated by the City of Sarasota Parks & Recreation District.