[MassHistPres] Seeking advice for durable small outdoor memorial plaques

[Tucker, Jonathan]

The materials used to memorialize fallen veterans convey a clear message about the community’s respect for its veterans.  Not to be curmudgeonly, but memorials for veterans should be classic and durable—such memorials should last for centuries, not a few decades.  Using modern sign materials for memorials sends the message that the community’s respect for its soldiers is as temporary and cheap as the materials being employed.

IMHO, you need to bite the bullet and take the time needed to raise the funds it will take to replace the deteriorating memorials with carved granite or bronze relief plaques.  Fallen veterans and future citizens deserve nothing less.

Jonathan Tucker
Planning Director
Amherst Planning Department
4 Boltwood Avenue, Town Hall
Amherst, MA  01002
(413) 259-3040
tuckerj at amherstma.gov<mailto:tuckerj at amherstma.gov>


From: masshistpres-bounces at cs.umb.edu [mailto:masshistpres-bounces at cs.umb.edu] On Behalf Of David Temple
Sent: Thursday, December 08, 2011 10:41 PM
To: Mass HistPres
Subject: [MassHistPres] Seeking advice for durable small outdoor memorial plaques

In Medfield we have about 10 outdoor memorial plaques in town squares, honoring local residents who have been killed in wars. Unfortunately, in less than ten years the plaques have corroded, and we replace them, we want something much more durable.

The present plaques – 8-1/2 x 11” - are made of metal (aluminum? steel?) and have text painted(?) on them, and they’re protected [sic] with plexiglass(?) covers that have mainly served to trap moisture inside.

There must be a better way.  Ideas?  If possible, we’d like to keep cost below $500 per plaque – I’m almost afraid to ask the cost of brass with embossed lettering, though I imagine that would last a long time. Also, any recommended vendors?

In your reply, please include my original message. AOL users please note!

David Temple
David F. Temple, Inc.
300 South Street
Medfield, MA 02052
508-359-2915


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