Local veterans and alderman form committee to pursue World War II memorial project

Two residents told the Board of Aldermen they have formed a community committee to pursue a World War II monument in Rutland and will coordinate with veterans’ organizations and aldermen to move the project forward. Tony Romeo said he had been president of the Rutland Veterans Council for 18 years and that the council—founded in 1950 and disbanded in 2017—had never completed a World War II monument project. Romeo said he and Tom Giffen contacted local veterans representatives, including Will Ellis and Ron Ferdette from the American Legion, John Pizzinelli and Mickey Young from the VFW, and that they have formed a committee and begun meeting. Romeo said the group had asked Alderman Larry Coopoli to join the committee and that Coopoli agreed; Romeo said he hopes the group can produce a plan by 2027. “We formed ourselves a committee…We’ve met once already, threw around some ideas, and hopefully, we’ll get the ball rolling,” Romeo said. Aldermen thanked the speakers and noted the project may involve parks permitting or other municipal approvals as the committee develops a site and plan. Acting Mayor Allaire said he had “chatted with Tony about the memorial and offered my assistance and the board’s general assistance” and that staff will look at feasibility through the city’s community and economic development committee and parks process. No board action was required; the public commenters said they would report back as the committee refines a plan and seeks municipal permits and support.