State funds will help local group repair World War II monument

WOONSOCKET – In an era when historical monuments are usually getting attention for being dismantled, one local veterans organization is pushing ahead with a plan to erect a new one in the most prominent location it can find.

And state taxpayers will give the United Veterans Council a 15,000 push closer to its goal of erecting the proposed granite tribute to the city’s casualties of World War II.

The latest installment of the funds – 10,000 from the House of Representatives – was turned over to the UVC during a ceremony at World War II Park on Monday – Victory Day, according to Richard Schatz, the past commander of the UVC. Earlier, the Senate provided the group with 4,000, not including another 1,000 lawmakers routinely provide for operations of the UVC, funds which may also be redirected to the cause.

“We’d like people to recognize exactly the sacrifices made by people and our armed forces to have the type of life we have in this country,” said Schatz, 74, an Air Force veteran of the Vietnam War. “It seems that too many people go about their day-to-day business and take it for granted.”

A number of state lawmakers who helped secure the special grant for the UVC attended the donation ceremony, including State Rep. Stephen Casey D-Dist. 50 , State Rep. Bob Phillips D-Dist. 51 and State Sen. Roger A. Picard D-Dist. 20 . But Shatz said the entire delegation deserves credit for the team effort, including State Rep. Michael Morin D-Dist. 4 and Melissa Murray D-Dist. 24 , who were unable to attend.

The new monument will be located in World War II Park and replace an existing World War II monument in a

Submitted photo The state will provide $10,000 for the United Veterans Council’s plan to replace an ailing World War II memorial in Precious Blood Cemetery. Appearing at a check-passing ceremony near the proposed site of the new monument in World War II Park are, from left, Brian Camara of Amvets Post 7; Ernest Frappier, commander of VFW Post 6342; Rene Boudreau, vice president of the UVC; State Rep. Robert Phillips; Ken Howe of the Vietnam Veterans Association; Mark Camara, president of the UVC; State Rep. Stephen Casey; State Sen. Roger A. Picard; Richard Schatz, past president of the UVC; Marvin Ludwig, past president UVC; Ernest Boisvert, past president UVC; and Leo Turgeon of the Vietnam Veterans Association.