WWII Clamdigger -
May 1944, Memorial Day

Note: During WW II 180 men and women from Rowayton served in the armed forces. Only one was killed, Albert Lawrence. In his memory a tree was planted at Bayley Beach on Memorial Day 1944 to remind us of what he did and gave. The following is the dedication preached at that ceremony [Ed.]:

Memorial Day, 1944
Tree Dedication for Albert Lawrence

We have gathered here to honor the memory of one who richly merits the honor and esteem of this community; we have gathered here that by ceremony and dedication we may fix more securely in the minds of our fellows that memory. We dedicate this tree to his honor. So long as this tree brings forth bud and leaf, so long as it has life, the memory of Albert Lawrence will be a living reality in the minds and hearts of this community.

We do not dedicate this tree in order to keep our memory of his deeds and sacrifice alive. That memory is nourished by his own life and by his laying down of that life. Nothing we can do can effect anything beyond that already accomplished.

It is the way of man to represent by symbol that which he cherishes most. We are unable to forget that we are citizens of the United States of America, yet we raise a flag to keep the truth before us. We of the Christian faith can not forget the sacrifice of Christ, yet the cross before us daily, is an ever present reminder of that noble sacrifice. The symbol of the cross is not used for fear of forgetting Christ; it is used to keep a challenge before us, to be a constant reminder of the possibilities and obligations which rest upon us.

So it is with this tree! It is not dedicated to keep us in memory of Albert Lawrence. That memory is alive and will continue to live. This tree is the reminder of more than he gave. The truth can be forgotten! but it is a truth which we can not afford to forget.

The life and death of the one whom we honor, and all those who follow in his steps, call out to us to live more nobly, to sacrifice more freely, to work more devotedly and to build upon the ruins of this earth a world-civilization worthy of their aspirations, their devotion and sacrifice. This tree is a memorial to a brave man, and it is more! It must serve as an ever present symbol and reminder to the citizens of Rowayton that we have an obligation to take part in the building of a new world where in justice, mercy and righteousness will be the watch words of the hour and judges of every word and deed. A world wherein services of this nature will be unnecessary and war cemeteries growing crosses row by row will not be known.

The work of Albert Lawrence upon this earth is not done. His spirit moves us; this tree, in beauty, dignity and charm, strikes and will continue to strike, our mind with noble thoughts and aspirations. So long as we are urged on to greater work and more vital faith by this tree and the memory it instills, the work of the one we honor will continue and bless us.

With these thoughts and with love and gratitude, we dedicate this tree to the living memory of Albert Lawrence, free giver of life for his fellow men.