$250,000 Needed To Refurbish & Update Framingham Veterans Memorial Park; Bricks Can be Purchased at $150 Each

[broadstreet zone=”53130″]

FRAMINGHAM – Nestled between the Framingham District Courthouse and Framingham Housing Authority, along route 126 in Framingham is a park dedicated to the men and woman who defended our country.

Framingham’s Veterans Memorial Park, located at the Musterfield on Concord Street, is one of many places throughout the City of Framingham that honors our Veterans.

The park is in need of an upgrade, said Framingham Police Lt. Robert Downing. “It was last updated 35 years ago in 1985.”

The City-owned park features a memorial by famed American sculptor Emilius R. Ciampa. Erected in 1952, the sculpture features plaques dedicated to every war and conflict Framingham residents have participated in from the American Revolution to the Vietnam War.

“The sculpture needs cleaning, along with the current plaques,” said Lt. Downing, an Army veteran

[broadstreet zone=”58610″]

Since 1985 “we have had a generation of Veterans who have defended this country and deserve the recognition on this memorial alongside those who served before them,” said Lt. Downing.

Lt. Downing is working with a group of volunteers to update and beautify this memorial.

The goal is to raise $250,000.

The second goal is to complete the restoration and add the “additional plaques to honor wars” after Vietnam by Veterans Day 2021.

The project also includes new flag poles, with lighting.

“There will be a flag for each branch of the military” – Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, and Coast Guard, explained Lt. Downing.

[broadstreet zone=”70107″]

The walkways and surfaces will be repaired, and upgraded so they are ADA-compliant,” said Lt. Downing.

The project also includes new benches plus signage and story boards to document the history of Framingham’s Veterans.

The public can help with the project.

There is a GoFundMe to make donations.

Personalized bricks can be purchased (6 by 9 inches with a message) at $150 each.

Sponsorships of the flagpoles and the 6 benches are also available.

[broadstreet zone=”59946″]

$5,000 for a flag pole.

$4,000 for the center benches

$3,000 for the walkway benches

The Framingham Disability Commission has donated $20,000 to the project.

Lt. Downing said the state has provided about a $20,000 grant.

All donations are tax deductible, thanks to the Framingham Police Association,  a 501(c)3 organization.

If you are interested in purchasing a brick, flag pole or bench, please contact Lt. Downing at 508-872-1212, ext. 4918.

[broadstreet zone=”70106″]