Letter of the week, 12/22/08: Monumental error: To fix, or not to fix?

[David]

Monumental errors
Editor:

This letter is in reference to the front page article in the Record-Journal on Monday, Dec. 15: “Monumental error; vet wants city to get it right.”

Anthony Zipoli’s father, Armand Zipoli, and his uncles Joseph and Gerald Zipoli’s last name was misspelled Zipolo instead of Zipoli. Certainly and understandably any family member wants the correct spelling of any family members who served honorably in our country’s service.
Since the article was published, I received a call from a friend of the Zolnik family, informing me that the four Zolnik brothers, Joseph, Anthony, John and Theodore’s last name is misspelled on the monument with Zolnick instead of Zolnik. I did check the misspelling on the monument and found that it is true (and so, incidentally, the four Zolnik brothers’ misspelled last name is directly under the misspelled members of the Zipoli family).

I believe that there are many mistakes that would call for erecting a new monument or sandblasting off and adding new letters or initials to the veterans’ names. I also remember when the World War I solider, sailor, Marine and Cost Guard figures were sandblasted years ago, and it was a monumental mistake (no pun intended); when the old patina was sandblasted off, it left the bronze figures victims to the elements.

I have no problem with the United Veterans Council looking at this problem but, from my perspective, there are times when you leave well enough alone.

P.S. If it was a politician’s name that was misspelled, my above feelings would remain the same.
WALTER A. SHAMOCK, MERIDEN

[Snakebite]

The names are mispelled. Big Deal. They are minor mispellings and do not warrant some big undertaking. Too many uptight people.
The intent of the monument is clear.

[Zip The Driver]

Yes it is a big deal.Our father's brother's and son's and doughter's have gone to WAR many times for this country only to make to little of a deal.This may be small ,in retrospect to a death or the loss of limbs or becomeing serverlly handicapped.But it is something that our loved ones gave up to be on that monument and that was thier time,mabey 2-4 yrs or more.Snakebite when was the last time you did something for a person who fought for your freedom.Mr. Shamock, one minute your saying erect a new monument and the next your saying lets leave well enough alone.You have my respect as a politician but I think you should leave well enough alone sometimes.

[Snakebite]

Here you go. Obviously this is very important to you. Go to the monument and #5 file the incorrect letter off. Then make a mold from a block of plastic cut to whatever letters you want. Prep surface with poke pitting then fasten mold and apply Cyclops liquid metal. Finish with a rustoluem.

Yes, I accept your thanks. Now get to work.
Unless your a union guy, then it will take 3 guys with 4 different job descriptions and the job will take a week.

[alwaysright]

perhaps if it were a realtive, perhaps if we all thought that being in the service was wonderful,then this would matter.
For those who have nothing more to worry themselves with- it matters.
for the rest of us- big waste of time.
one thing- you'll never see bush or cheney with their name on a monument like this.