SANDWICH – The Sandwich Historic District Committee approved the proposed Vietnam War Veterans Monument on Wednesday night after wavering on the idea for several weeks.
“All of the committees prior to this one have approved it. The town meeting approved it as well, and not only approved it, but put money towards the memorial as well,” Sandwich State Representative Randy Hunt said at the Wednesday meeting.
The memorial will be located in Eaton Square alongside other monuments.
The Committee approved the building permit in a 3-to-1 vote at the Wednesday meeting. During a meeting in late August, the Committee failed to vote on the matter, but members indicated they were not in favor of the idea. During that August meeting, the Committee had said that the design was “too modern” for the district.
Sandwich State Representative Randy Hunt has been in support of the monument and says he was pleased with the final decision, further stating that the town would look forward to hosting a dedication ceremony later in the year.
“I believe after having seen the materials that were presented to the committee I am more convinced than ever that Eaton Square is the right place for this to go,” said Hunt.
“I look forward to the dedication of this Vietnam Veterans Memorial monument on Veterans Day, November 11 of this year.”
Several veterans spoke in favor of the plan, saying it was the right type of monument and the right place to honor those who served in the Vietnam War.
Selectman Shane Hoctor says many groups collaborated with the project and that he heard overwhelming support for its construction from area residents.
“I think it was tastefully done. It’s something that we as a town came together and voted on. It’s a positive thing for the veterans, it’s a positive vocation,” Hoctor said. “I actually walked the grounds myself this afternoon before coming to the meeting so I could get a feel for it. I would say that it is hallowed grounds.”
The committee refused to comment publicly on the issue until they were able to meet in public session this week.
By TIM DUNN, CapeCod.com News Center
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