HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-05-09-MMC-min Monuments and Memorials Committee
Minutes of Meeting
May 9, 2019
Reed Room, Town Office Building
Attendance
Sam Doran, Chair; members Linda Dixon, Bebe Fallick, and Kathy Jacob; Prospective member Karen
Gaughan from the Town Celebrations committee; Guest George Gamota of the Lexington Historical
Society and WWI Commemoration Committee.
Linda introduced Karen Gaughan as a longstanding member of the Town Celebrations Committee with
a strong interest in this committee's activities. Since Linda is representing both the TCC and the
Lexington Veterans Association, Karen could assume the TCC slot on the Monuments and Memorials
Committee with no change in membership structure.
Recognition of Lexingtonians Who Died in Service in World War II
George Gamota began his presentation by asking, "are we sufficiently recognizing those who served
and died in World War II7 and his answer was "no." After some preliminary research, George
learned that 1,650 Lexingtonians served in the war and 53 died. Two plaques exist that bear these 53
names: one at Lexington High School and one at the VFW Post. Linda explained that, in the early
1950's, a special World War II memorial committee created the War Memorial Library at the brand
new high school as a living memorial for future generations. The library has since been dismantled
and the plaques scattered about.
George would like to see the current World War II memorial, which consists of an engraved granite
stone behind the Visitors Center, enhanced with a plaque containing these 53 names of the WWII
deceased. Ideally, the enhanced memorial would be dedicated in the Fall of 2020. Members identified
issues that would need to be dealt with, including support for the monument in its current state; lack of
support for the project; high cost; long time to complete; the current renovation of the Visitors Center
and surrounding grounds; and the need for a public education and fundraising program. Kathy Jacob
cautioned that memorials always cost more and take longer than anyone first estimates.
Bebe Fallick agreed to explore a possible connection with the architect and designer who is working on
the Visitors Center. Sam Doran will contact Josh Craine, renovator of the Minute Man Monument,
and the Lexington Arts and Crafts Society. The Minuteman National Park would be another good
resource for referrals and costs. We could also collect photos of monuments, both great ones and not
so successful ones.
The group reached consensus that we should continue to explore the feasibility of this idea to
determine whether to bring to Select Board as a formal proposal.
Update on Minute Man Statue
Sam reported that the statue renovation work was very successful. The base planter will likely be
replaced with a fountain., a decision met with disapproval by Committee members.
The Minute Man Memorial (across the street adjacent to the Buckman Tavern) is due to be restored
immediately following Patriots Day, using the same type of treatment as the statue. The surrounding
fence will be removed and the grass will be replanted. Granite pavers will be added for accessibility
and the path to the sidewalk enhanced, making the memorial much more accessible to the public.
Historical research has identified two additional Minute Men who fought on the Green and their names
will be added to the stone.
Other Reports/Updates
• The plaque for Lexington's first World War I casualty, Stanley Hill, has been replaced on the
Battle Green and several others have been dug up, refreshed, and repaired.
• Suzie Barry, former Chair of the Select Board, will serve as our committee liaison once again.
• According to Chris Filadoro, who serves as Tree Warden, several trees were planted recently
on the split in Somerset Road in Merriam Hill as a memorial to five Lexington soldiers killed at
the end of World War IL More trees may be planted as needed.
• Sam will contact the VFW post regarding the appointment of a VFW representative to the
Monuments and Memorials Committee.
The meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m.
Submitted by
Linda Dixon