To the editor:

The new Lynnfield Veterans War Memorial should be exclusively reserved for U.S. service members and not “in memory of a family member or a dear friend.”

Criteria for an individual named on the memorial include honorable military service—not a monetary payment.

The war memorial is not a civilian cemetery or memorial. Its purpose is to honor the service and valor of our veterans. The honor of veterans should not be mixed with the addition of civilian names.

This applies to both plates and bricks. Visitors to the war memorial should expect veteran recognition and not private civilian memorials or commercial enterprises.

Memory bricks and plates should not be sold. Sales to date should be returned. It is never too late to do the right thing.

The memorial does not need $30,000 from the sale of prominent plates recognizing non-service members. The initial fundraising exceeded goals and provided a reserve.

The plates should recognize veterans.

Please keep the veterans war memorial for veterans.

Thank you,

Richard Davis
Vietnam Era Veteran