Worcester to replace lost monument
Morris A. Bergman, Councilor-at-Large for Worcester, announced in late March that the city will move as quickly as possible to make certain those on the honor roll accompanying a local lost memorial, as well as their families, receive the recognition they should.
In 1943, Worcester dedicated a monument to the African-American men and women from the city who were serving in the armed forces. Known as the ‘Colored Citizens of Worcester Honor Roll’, it listed the names of 145 black men and women, and was located at Clayton and Belmont Streets. When that land was taken by Massachusetts for the new I-290 highway, built in 1959, the monument was removed and subsequently disappeared.
James Bonds and William S. Coleman III, who are associated with VFW Post 312, said many efforts have been undertaken to find the monument, but none has been successful. Coleman recently brought the matter to the attention of city officials, stating the monument is extremely important to both the city and its African-American residents.
Coleman noted that in 1943, Worcester felt it was essential to show the city's gratitude to its black service personnel, and that the monument should be replaced if the original cannot be located. The city council approved Mr. Coleman's petition unanimously.
City officials might consider working with a flyer printing company on a mailer for area residents, describing the monument and asking if they have information about it.
In 1943, Worcester dedicated a monument to the African-American men and women from the city who were serving in the armed forces. Known as the ‘Colored Citizens of Worcester Honor Roll’, it listed the names of 145 black men and women, and was located at Clayton and Belmont Streets. When that land was taken by Massachusetts for the new I-290 highway, built in 1959, the monument was removed and subsequently disappeared.
James Bonds and William S. Coleman III, who are associated with VFW Post 312, said many efforts have been undertaken to find the monument, but none has been successful. Coleman recently brought the matter to the attention of city officials, stating the monument is extremely important to both the city and its African-American residents.
Coleman noted that in 1943, Worcester felt it was essential to show the city's gratitude to its black service personnel, and that the monument should be replaced if the original cannot be located. The city council approved Mr. Coleman's petition unanimously.
City officials might consider working with a flyer printing company on a mailer for area residents, describing the monument and asking if they have information about it.