To the Editor:

For well over a decade the various Newtown fire companies had been donating their outdated and surplus equipment to Guatemala, to which I had been forwarding appreciatively.

After the Sandy Hook tragedy, I contracted with a well known Guatemalan artist to paint a portrait of the victims as a tribute. This project touched my life more than words can express. I knew it had to be large enough to capture everyone’s personification perfectly, and to have uplifting content. For months the artist and I dealt with a roller coaster ride of emotions as you learn the essence to uncontrollable tearing. Collaboratively, we focused on doing the best work possible.

The finished product was a 10-foot-wide, 6-foot-tall memorial portrait, which was flown out of Guatemala arriving in Newtown on November 30, 2015. Chief Bill Halstead opened the crate to comment the painting was “outstanding.” Dr Joseph V. Eradi, Superintendent of Schools, described it as “a brilliant piece of work” and “a magical piece of work.” The artist and I were ecstatic by the positive reception. The portrait was to be placed in storage for future consideration on its proper placement. Personally, I was disheartened that senior family members or grandparents would have to wait to view the memorialization. But if there was ever a sensitive subject, it was balancing the right amount of privacy and respect for the victim’s families.

Routinely, I would contact Kyle Lyddy requesting that he view the portrait so as to understand its significance. But, my requests went unanswered. Now, four and one half years after the delivery, I thought it was time to consider placing the memorial portrait in the new community center building funded by General Electric. Unfortunately, it appears that the portrait was discarded in an uncaring, negligent fashion. First Selectmen Dan Rosenthal has avoided my request for documentation as to the care, custody, and control of the painting during its storage. To the families of the victims, I can only say that a very spiritual piece of artwork that exemplified the love of your loss was needlessly and recklessly discarded. I wish you all had the chance to see what was placed on canvass for your consideration.

Respectfully,

Gordon Duke

82 Maple Avenue, Johnston, R.I. July 2, 2020