City plans to honor active duty military from Bristol

The city plans a new display to honor active duty military personnel around the world.
Prompted by veteran Al Cianchetti, city councilors said this week they would like to see a professional display at City Hall that would showcase photographs of Bristol residents who are currently serving in the military.
“The concept is an excellent one,” said city Councilor Craig Minor.
Cianchetti said he wants to see “more than just a plain Jane bulletin board” to honor the men and women who are risking their lives for their country.
He said the display he envisions would “show support” for residents who are serving in the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force and Coast Guard. It would include all active duty personnel, not just those serving in war zones.
Though Cianchetti offered to have a display made, the city’s Building Committee said that it ought to be a municipal responsibility – and it ought to be done right.
“Bristol can afford to spend a few dollars,” said Minor, to pay its respects to its citizens who are in uniform across the globe.
He said he would like to see something done with dignity.
“It’s probably not going to be cheap,” Minor said.
City Purchasing Agent Roger Rousseau said he would look into options for the display.
City Councilor Kevin McCauley, who chairs the committee, said he would like to see a cover of some sort on the display to help prevent vandalism.
Public Works Director Walter Veselka said that officials need to figure out who would maintain the board and who would figure out which pictures to display.
The city’s Veterans Committee will also weigh in soon with its thoughts on how to do it properly.
There is no easy way to find out the names or obtain pictures of Bristol people who are in the military.
An effort to send care packages with Bristol themes to military personnel depended mostly on friends and families providing the names and addresses. Chances are that pictures will have to come from the same sources.
McCauley said he’s looking forward to the new display.
“It’s off and running,” he said.

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Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com