REDEDICATION OF NORWICH MONUMENT DELAYED

Norwich — The rededication of the Italian heritage monument near Chelsea Parade and Norwich Free Academy originally planned for Saturday will be delayed, because a key new piece, sculpted in Italy, is stuck in transit due to coronavirus restrictions.

The Norwich Italian Heritage & Cultural Committee in June removed or covered all references to Christopher Columbus on the obelisk, which was erected in 1992 to mark the 500th anniversary of Columbus’ 1492 voyage. The monument lists the names of Italian ancestors of some 400 Norwich Italians and was erected to honor their memory and their settlement in Norwich.

Alterations will include a color porcelain globe with American and Italian flags replacing the Columbus bust, a plaque saying the monument is dedicated to Norwich Italian

immigrants and an altered stone bench, removing its reference to the “Columbus” committee that helped raise money for the monument.

Frank Jacaruso, president of the Italian Heritage & Cultural Committee, said he was frustrated at the delay. The new piece is finished and ready to be shipped across the Atlantic. But the plant where it was crafted has been shut down due to the COVID-19 virus. Staff there is awaiting permission to go in and ship the piece to Norwich.

The committee continues to seek donations for the alterations and rededication of the obelisk. Anyone wishing to donate to the effort can make checks out to Italian Heritage & Cultural Committee Monument Fund and send to Peter Maneri, CPA, 21 Stott Ave., Norwich, CT 06360.