DEDHAM — Town Manager Leon Goodwin and Dedham Veterans Service Officer Joseph Hamilton would like to provide the following statement regarding the status of the Dedham Veterans Memorial:
“We would like to address some recent concerns about the Dedham Veterans Memorial and remind residents of the plan that was put in when construction began on the new Dedham Town Hall in 2015.
“The process of abating and demolishing the old town hall, located at 26 Bryant St., recently began to prepare the site for future development. Because the Veterans Memorial was located on the front lawn of the old town hall, the monument was carefully moved to the Brookdale Cemetery last Friday where it will be temporarily stored until it is ready to be moved back to an appropriate location near Dedham Square.
“The Dedham Department of Public Works worked closely with Dedham Veterans Services to ensure that the utmost care was taken in moving the monument to its temporary location, where it will not be at risk of being damaged while the demolition of the old town hall takes place.
“If additional funding is approved at Fall Town Meeting next month, the Town will move forward with its plans to build a new joint public safety building (police and fire) where the old town hall was located.
“A beautiful green space will be created between the new town hall and public safety building and once the work is complete the Veterans Memorial will be moved to a prominent spot in the middle of the green space. This move to its new permanent home will also include a thoughtful rededication ceremony of the monument. Local veterans and town officials will be on hand for the ceremony.
“It should be made clear that this was the plan that was established and agreed upon several years ago, with input from local veterans, and the plan has not changed in that time.
“We want to thank everyone in advance for their patience while the work is being done and we look forward to a time when the memorial is placed in its new home where it can be viewed and visited by veterans, residents and visitors of the Town.
“If anyone has further questions about Dedham Veterans Memorial, they can call Veterans Service Officer Joe Hamilton at 781-751-9267.”
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