Middletown displays student-built replica of Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in City Hall

Councilman Anthony Gennaro presented a resolution recognizing a replica of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier that was built by Vinal Technical High School students with funding from the Middletown Veterans Lodge and local supporters. The council accepted a plaque and announced the replica will be displayed in City Hall through Memorial Day 2026.

The presentation highlighted the educational role the project played: Gennaro said students in carpentry, art and IT departments prepared materials, used CNC machines and collaborated across classes to scale and recreate the monument. Commander Bill Curley and members of the Middletown Elks spoke to the months-long effort and described a community ceremony that previously displayed the replica on a parade trailer.

Christine Bonamico, identified as the exalted ruler of the Elks chapter, thanked the city and private donors and noted the principal at Vinal Tech could not attend that evening; she said students’ names are posted outside and encouraged the public to view the memorial. "They really learned about it themselves," Curley added, reflecting on students’ experience with the project.

The council resolved that the replica will remain on public display at City Hall until Memorial Day 2026 and that viewing the monument should remind visitors of the sacrifices of service members. The presentation concluded with council members and veterans exchanging thanks and the mayor noting the plaque presentation.

The replica project was described by presenters as a collaboration between the Middletown Veterans Lodge, Vinal Technical High School (students and faculty), and local donors who covered materials and support. The council did not take any further legislative action tied to the presentation beyond adopting the resolution of recognition.