Fallen Malden Marine Remembered at Park Rededication Ceremony

City officials held a rededication ceremony at Tartikoff Park Wednesday morning in Malden.

A few dozen people, including Jewish War Veterans, Disabled Americans Veterans and the Marine Corps League, to name a couple, attended the ceremony at the park named after Private David Tartikoff, a Malden marine who was one of 350 marines killed on June 6, 1918 at the Battle of Belleau Wood in France. The park, located at Willow and Lyme Streets, was first dedicated in 1930.

After hearing from residents about certain sections of the park falling into disrepair, the city sought to give the area a much needed facelift, according to Kevin Jarvis, director of Veterans Services in Malden.

"The MRA (Malden Redevelopment Authority) put together a plan to restore the park and if you weren't here before a lot of work has been done," Jarvis said, adding that the area needs to be reseeded in the spring and a new sign is in the works. "...Trees have been cut, (there's) a new playground, benches, and we'll have this place looking good by Memorial Day if not earlier."

Following Jarvis' introductory remarks, Malden High School senior Cori Malone sang Francis Scott Key's "The Star-Spangled Banner." Also performing during the ceremony was Barbara Kahn, who sang "God Bless America."

Meanwhile, Rabbi Mark Golub led the invocation.

"We've gathered here this morning to dedicate this park in memory of David Tartikoff, who was born a Russian immigrant (and) immigrated to the United States as a young child," he said. "(He) fought in World War I and was killed defending his adopted country. His patriotic service reflects the sacrifices of all veterans who have paid the ultimate price in the service of their nation."

Mayor Gary Christenson praised the service of Tartikoff while serving overseas from June 27, 1917 to June 6, 1918 when he was killed in action. 

"Today, we stand here to honor David Tartikoff who sacrificed his life so we would have that right," Christenson said. "As we reflect on Private Tartikoff's patriotism, let us remember the freedoms we enjoy and often take for granted are possible because of the dedication and sacrifice of all our veterans."

City Council President Neal Anderson discussed the importance of days like the rededication ceremony on Nov. 6.

"The mayor and I and other city officials often get the chance to come to different openings and dedications and none of them are more important than a day like today," Anderson said, "when we honor this man who gave his life for his country, this veteran who died in the service of his country...for all of us veterans who are here today America thanks you, the City of Malden thanks you (and) I thank you."

Moments later, city officials unveiled a new memorial made of black granite with white lettering. Community Development Block Grant funding was used to reconstruct the park, according to the City of Malden website. State funding was also secured by State Rep. Paul Donato for the new monument, the site adds.

Tartikoff, who lived at 322 Cross St. and later settled at 60 Linden St. in Malden and enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps Jan. 20, 1917, was part of the 49th Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment when he was deployed to France.

"David landed in France along with 3,000 other marines in June of 1917 and they had to train to speak in enemy territory, and in the spring of 1918 the Germans had an offensive," Jarvis said. "The Germans had set up in a forest called Belleau Woods. There were thousands of them...(with) hundreds of machine guns."

The German offensive was established in the "Bois de Belleau" area about 40 miles from Paris, and "this was the last chance to save Paris," Jarvis said. 

"On June 6, 1918, David was one of the first marines with his regiment...to attack Hill 142 at Belleau Woods and others would follow," Jarvis said. "...we'll never know exactly what happened because David Tartikoff didn't just die but almost 350 other marines around him did (too)."

"The overall casualties in this grim 20-day battle totaled 9,777 killed and wounded. By the end of that month, the United States Marines had finally conquered the woods," reads the city website.

Jarvis said he invited Tartikoff's family to the event, but his nieces and nephews who are now in their 80s and 90s were unable to attend "but they are so happy we are doing this dedication." He added that Tartikoff's family provided the city with a photo of David which was incorporated into the memorial's design.

The ceremony concluded with bagpiper Patrick McDonnell performing "Amazing Grace. Midway through the ceremony he also performed the "Marines' Hymn." 

Check out our video coverage and photos from the rededication ceremony at Tartikoff Park in Malden on Nov. 6.