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A Memorial to Those Who Served

May 9-16, 2007
By The Hartford News

Submitted to the Hartford City Council for consideration at it’s May 14th meeting, will be a plan for a memorial to those who have served in the armed forces of the United States.

The location of this simple, but elegant, tribute to Hartford’s servicemen and women is the corner of Farmington Avenue and Broad Street (see drawing, above). This parcel of several acres will not be developed until roads are re-engineered so it is available for some time.

The plan is simple, a large piece of granite - 24 feet - surrounded by granite beaches. Bushes or trees will circle the area and placement will highlight the architecture in the area as a backdrop.

If the corner is ever developed, all this can easily be moved. Most of the cost, estimated at $50-60 thousand, would be in materials again, that can be moved if needed.

Of special concern to your author are the city’s World War II veterans, who do not have a memorial as far as we know. This project will honor all veterans of all wars but the quickly fading finest generation will be especially honored with this effort.

The idea for this effort came from discussions at the Allegro, Hartford’s gathering place for breakfast and lunch in the South End. If the council approves the effort, an organizing party will be held soon with an inexpensive dinner and good fellowship.

Projects do not have to be big and grand to make a point. There are many worthwhile causes competing for shrinking available cash so the idea of this whole effort is to quickly raise a modest amount and before we lose many more of our World War II friends, just build it! Readers of this column will be asked to do their part.