Resident suggests adding plaque to honor WWII Naval Armed Guard on island monuments

Ross Rellinson of Vero Beach proposed that the committee consider adding a plaque to honor the World War II Naval Armed Guard, suggested for placement on an existing monument (for example the Merchant Marine or Navy monument) rather than creating a new memorial. Rellinson framed the idea as a small bronze plaque or medallion bearing the naval armed guard insignia and the service dates 1941'045.

The committee discussed protocol and next steps: confirming which monument is the appropriate location, reviewing Parks & Recreation application procedures, and seeking sign-offs from relevant departments. The chair noted the committee would research the correct process and that placement, exact design and sign-off would be considered before any installation. "We'll find out what is their actual... their logo," the chair said, emphasizing care because "whatever we do is gonna be out there for forever." Rellinson said the plaque would be modest and intended to "honor the branch" and local veterans with ties to the naval armed guard.

Background cited at the meeting: Rellinson and others recounted local veteran Clarence "Corky" Corker's service and said his history and other local stories motivated the proposal. Committee members noted the committee has previously added informational plaques to existing monuments and that a QR code program to provide more context for memorials had been discussed in principle.

Next steps: staff and committee members will research the formal application process, identify an appropriate monument for placement, draft proposed text/design and return to the committee for approval. No formal vote or design decision was made at the meeting.