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Trenton council approves VFW Post 1888 memorial upgrades, pledges up to $35,000
Summary
Council approved a VFW-led project to refurbish three veteran memorial sites in Trenton, including new bronze statues, granite benches and lighting, and authorized city work and purchases up to $35,000 to support the effort.
Trenton — The City Council unanimously approved a proposal from VFW Post 1888 to upgrade and expand veteran memorials at three sites in Trenton, authorizing the city to execute contracts and purchases in support of the project with a funding cap of $35,000.
John Craven, a U.S. Army veteran who led the presentation, described plans that include replacing the WWI monument base downtown, adding a missing name to the plaque (Frederick S. Labeaux), installing two life‑size bronze statues at the Veterans Memorial Library, and placing granite benches and spotlights at multiple locations. "If we can order materials relatively soon, we expect we may be able to have unveilings by the memorial parade in 2026," Craven said during the council presentation.
Lynn Bonham, chairman of the VFW committee, introduced members and framed the project as a legacy initiative to preserve veterans' contributions and increase the historical presence of the organization across the city. Mayor Stephen Rezeppa and council members praised the plan; Rezeppa said the project "has just been such an unbelievably cool idea" and thanked the veterans for their work.
City Administrator Dean Creech told the council the administration would "help with the lighting at the World War 1 Memorial," provide two benches as part of the city’s contribution, pour any required pads and extend the paver area at the library. Creech brought the funding motion to the council stating the amount would be "not to exceed $35,000," which the council approved.
The council did not amend the proposal at the meeting; staff were directed to execute necessary contracts and purchases within the approved limit. The VFW committee and city officials said they hope to coordinate unveilings and additional work to coincide with the 2026 memorial parade.
