Honor Roll restored

by Laura A. Brodin

Almost 60 years after its construction, the Veterans Honor Roll in front of City Hall, honoring Somerville residents who served in World War II, was recently restored for the first time.

“It was put up in 1945 and was never given a facelift until now,” said Frank P. Senesi, director of Veterans Services.

Senesi said he decided to restore the Honor Roll after taking office in January.

The Honor Roll, which lists the names of Somerville residents who served in World War II, as well as some who served in the Korean War, was in need of repair.

“The glass had become distorted, and nobody could read the names,” Senesi said.

The restoration was funded through a joint effort by the Department of Public Works and Somerville Veterans Services. Each department spent $2,400. Thomas Nazzaro, of General Glass & Mirror Company, donated all of the glass panels at a cost of $2,300.

The restoration, which took two months to complete, was finished by Memorial Day, in conjunction with the opening of the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C., Senesi said.

“Everybody seems to be happy with it,” Senesi said.

“Now, everybody can see the names.”

Comments

[Robert Ashworth Jr.]

Recently I brought my grandaughter to the honor roll to show her my uncle's name. It was not there. As a graduate of Somerville high I saw his name many times.
His name was THOMAS ASHWORTH. He was killed in the Normandy invasion.He lived at 23 Melvin St. If you require more information mail me.
I would like to get this corrected for my next visit to the honor roll with my grandaughter. Please mail me when it is corrected.
Thank You
Robert K. Ashworth Jr.
41 Fieldstone Dr.
Stoneham Mass. 02180

[John F McCarthy]

I had the opportunity to visit the memorial again earlier this year, many thanks to all involved in it's restoration. The names of my grandfather Jerimiah P McCarthy, US Army, and my father Jerome J McCarthy, US Navy, are listed on this memorial. They are now deceased. Both men were only sons serving in the same war in the South Pacific, Grandad in the Philipines and Dad in Okinawa. Both made it back home in one piece, Thank God. John Fitzgerald McCarthy US Navy

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