Park and Recreation committee approves moving Vietnam veterans memorial rock to Taft Park

The New London Park and Recreation Committee voted to approve moving a Vietnam veterans memorial rock from Memorial Park to Taft Park after local veterans and members of the Junior Chamber (JC's) told the committee the plaque and stone receive little public attention where they currently sit.

Committee members approved the move after several veterans and JC's representatives addressed the committee during the public-comment portion of the April meeting. The committee motion to move the stone was made by Committee member Robert and seconded by Committee member John; the motion carried by voice vote.

The memorial was donated in 1981 by a civic group identified in committee materials as the New London JC's to honor 12 area soldiers who died during the Vietnam War. Several speakers said the rock is currently positioned “off in the middle of nowhere” and not visible to most residents. Vietnam veteran Dan Rice told the committee, “I just would like to have it moved because it sits in the corner, and nobody really sees it.”

Leroy Wagner, who identified himself as president of Southern Level 12 of the JC's, said the club and local veterans agreed the stone should be located where Memorial Day services are commonly held. “I think it's time that we put it in Taft for it,” Wagner said.

Other speakers backed the change. Steve Frank, who said he has lived in New London for 14 years, said he was unaware the plaque existed and urged the committee to relocate it where it would be seen. Aaron Connor said his group's vote on the move was unanimous and that many members did not know of the plaque’s existence.

Committee members and staff discussed placement options in Taft Park during the meeting; a committee member suggested positioning the stone facing the river near existing memorials and shelter facilities. Staff said the stone is not set in concrete and that city crews have handled and transported it on a flatbed previously. One attendee asked whether the name of Memorial Park could be changed; staff said the committee would need to research that before acting.

The committee asked staff to coordinate placement with veterans and to aim to complete the relocation before Memorial Day, if feasible. No additional formal conditions or a timeline beyond that direction were recorded during the meeting.

Members of the public who spoke were identified during the meeting; no written objections or formal petitions were presented to the committee during the recorded discussion.