At a work session which preceded Monday night’s Bridgeport City Council meeting, members of Council discussed the Veterans Memorial to be located along Main Street, across from All Saints Catholic Church.

 

“We’d like to hit the ground running and start construction immediately,” said Mayor Bob Greer. “We’ll be finalizing paperwork and getting the project out to bid.”

 

Groundbreaking had tentatively been scheduled for Memorial Day 2015, but members of Council indicated interest in breaking ground sooner – perhaps as early as March - and holding a formal dedication upon completion of the memorial.

 

On Oct. 13, Council was shown architectural renderings of the memorial by Richard Forren, Omni Associates senior project architect. The memorial features a circular design and five granite pylons representing The Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines and Coast Guard. The inscription reads “All Gave Some; Some Gave All.” 

 

There was discussion Monday night as to whether bricks or name plates would be utilized for the names of veterans. The Veterans Memorial committee will discuss that further.

 

Councilor John Wilson reiterated that he felt the memorial will be a beautiful addition to the city and that an ideal spot had been chosen.

 

Originally, $60,000 was appropriated for the project. At the Council meeting which followed the work session, a budget revision was made for an additional $65,000 to cover the approximate $125,000 cost. 

 

Editor's Note: Pictured are Darrell Bowen, Diana Marra, Mayor Bob Greer and Recorder Melissa Matheny.