Date: Fri 02-Oct-1998

Publication: Bee

Author: STEVEB

Quick Words:

Soldiers-&-Sailors-memorial

Full Text:

New Plaques Added To Main St Memorial

(with cut)

BY STEVE BIGHAM

Workers were busy at the Soldiers and Sailors Monument on Main Street last

week installing plaques commemorating those Newtown residents who served

during the Korean and Vietnam wars.

Two new bronze markers weighing more than a ton each were planted in the

ground. The only monument still missing is one honoring those who served in

the Persian Gulf War, according to Ernest Ingram of the Veterans of Foreign

War (VFW) Post 308.

The installation of the Korean and Vietnam monuments was a long time in

coming. The town and the VFW were able to update the area at the northern end

of Main Street after receiving a $16,450 Local Capital Improvement (LoCIP)

grant from the state in 1993. Veteran Mike Porco got the ball rolling and Dick

Bussman and Ernest Ingram saw it through to the end.

Organizers worked hard to ensure they had all the names of those who served

during the two wars before creating the plaques. A request was issued in The

Newtown Bee last year for anyone who knew of a Newtown resident who had

served, but was not on the list of local Korean and Vietnam war veterans.

"We wanted to make sure we didn't miss anybody," said Mr Ingram, who served

during the Vietnam War.

The project was organized by the Veterans Memorial Society.

The monument was purchased from Hughes & Chapman Monument Company. The

installation was done by Carol Selvagg, a stone cutter from Barre Granite of

Stratford.

Other improvements included repairs to the existing monuments, installation of

new walkways, stone benches and landscaping.