Medford Begins Renovating Veterans' Memorials

From the City of Medford:

Posted on August 5, 2019

Mayor Stephanie M. Burke is pleased to announce that the renovation of Medford’s Veterans’ memorials throughout the City is underway.

The first of these monuments to be restored was the Corporal Daniel Tolland USMC monument at the intersection of Watervale and Lund Road in North Medford. These memorials are placed to respect those who sacrificed so much so that we may live in peace and freedom today. The renovations of these monuments reaffirm that the City of Medford has not forgotten the cost of freedom.

“These monuments, spread across our entire City, are a symbol of sacrifice and to honor those who have so bravely served the United States of America. I look forward to the restoration of each one,” said Mayor Stephanie M. Burke.

Ron Karasczkiewicz, an Army veteran and neighbor of the monument brought this project to the attention of the City. Ron has so graciously vowed to maintain the property surrounding the monument. Repairs were completed by a USMC Veteran and Medford Resident John Gautreau of Anytime Construction LLC.

“These monuments are a testament to the level of respect Medford has for our Veterans. I know our community wants to see them restored to the level that would honor these service-members’ sacrifices. This is highlighted by Mr. Karasczkiewicz’s actions. Having neighbors take an interest in the monuments in their neighborhood makes all the difference in creating positive change for the community,” said Michael Durham, Veteran’s Director for the City of Medford.

The next monument to be restored is the WWI monument on Forest St. Thanks to the advocacy of State Representative Paul Donato and the legislature, the City has been awarded a $50,000 State grant for this monument to be refurbished.

“As the son of a World War I Navy veteran, I am both proud and pleased to have secured the $50,000 in funding to restore the World War I memorial on Forest Street,” said State Representative Paul J. Donato. “We must never forget the men and women who sacrificed in service for our nation.”

If you have a monument in your neighborhood that needs repair, please reach out to our Veterans Director Michael Durham at mdurham@medford-ma.gov.

This press release was produced by the City of Medford. The views expressed here are the author’s own.