Fountain of Eternal Life, Cleveland

The Fountain of Eternal Life, also known as the War Memorial Fountain or Peace Arising from the Flames of War, is a prominent statue and fountain located in downtown Cleveland. Designed by Marshall Fredericks, a graduate of the Cleveland Institute of Art, the monument was dedicated on May 30, 1964, as a tribute to Greater Clevelanders who served, died, or were declared missing in military service.

The sculpture is situated on Veterans' Memorial Plaza as part of the Cleveland Mall and serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by local veterans. The project was initiated and promoted by the Cleveland Press.

The 35-foot bronze figure symbolizes humanity's wish to escape war and reach for peace. Emerging from a bronze sphere (Earth), it's surrounded by four granite carvings of the world’s civilizations. The fountain’s base features bronze plates listing 5,552 Greater Clevelanders who died in service between 1899 and 2014, honoring soldiers from the Spanish–American War to the Iraq War.

Originally dedicated in 1964 with 4,155 names honoring World War II and Korean War casualties, the Memorial Fountain was restored in 1991 and rededicated on Veterans Day. Additional updates in 2004 and 2014 included names from the Spanish–American War, World War I, the Vietnam War, and the Iraq War, as well as others newly identified for inclusion.

Today, the Fountain of Eternal Life stands as a significant landmark in Cleveland, embodying the community’s respect and gratitude for its fallen heroes, while also conveying a timeless message of peace and remembrance.