Panel finalizes Vietnam memorial lettering, 4-0

Other Committee 2026-10-15 Part 2 · Meeting of October 15, 2026

ORLEANS — The Orleans veterans memorial committee voted unanimously to finalize lettering and a bronze plaque design but tabled a dispute over Vietnam War dates. Monument designer Tom Blute's three-quarter-inch "Nelson Vermarco" lettering style passed 4-0 for the roughly 144-name Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and a reworked Korean War Memorial bronze plaque, "Option B," also passed 4-0. Chair Kevin Higgins and member Andrew Delory argued for inscribing 1965-1973, tied to combat troop deployment, while member Alan Chase cited U.S.

Code research pointing to 1955-1970. Higgins said he was "not in favor of opinions," calling for facts, while Delory countered he had "done as much, if not more research." The dates question was tabled to the committee's October 27 meeting at 5 p.m. in the Skaket Room. A 501(c)3 representative told the panel the group "endorse[s]" the three-quarter-inch choice given "over 2,000 characters" of names to fit.

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Source: the Other Committee 2026-10-15 Part 2 meeting of October 15, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.