High-tech plaque tells story of vet’s bravery
Interactive feature added to Pvt. Carroll’s Hero Square
As a way to make sure the city’s fallen veterans are never
forgotten, officials on Sunday morning rededicated a plaque commemorating the service of Purple Heart recipient and Southie native Pvt. John L. Carroll Jr. that stands at West and Austin streets in Hyde Park.
Carroll was killed Dec. 28, 1944, at the Battle of the Bulge during World War II. He was assigned to the 38th Infantry Regiment.
“This battle was a turning point to our path to victory. It wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication and courage of people like Pvt. Carroll,” said Mayor Martin Walsh. “As a city we are making sure his legacy is remembered and honored, no matter how many years go by.”
Walsh was joined by City Councilor At-Large Annissa Essabi-George and state Rep. Angelo Scaccia.
“Mr. Carroll, you and the hundreds of thousands who never came back, from the bottom of my heart, thank you,” said Scaccia, who is also a veteran.
While Carroll’s plaque has occupied the intersection for years, the city has installed a biography plaque underneath, where passersby can scan a QR code with their phones and learn more about Carroll’s story.
Boston Veterans Services Commissioner Robert Santiago said the city wants people to “know who these heroes are and why they have a Hero Square for them.”
“This allows us to pay tribute to our fallen service members in a very visible and permanent way,” said Santiago. “This allows everyone who passes through here the sacrifices that were made, and they can understand that freedom does not come free.”
Boston is the only city with the bio-plaques to accompany the dedication. There are about 1,700 Hero Squares, and Santiago said his department will start working toward making sure each has a bio-plaque.