Norwalk plaque sparks debate over how to honor fallen

The controversy over memorializing fallen soldiers continued as a monument dedicated to a Norwalk native killed in Iraq was unveiled. Some veterans say a bronze and marble monument in Heritage Park dedicated

News 12 Staff

Jul 28, 2007, 11:24 PM

Updated 6,115 days ago

Share:

Norwalk plaque sparks debate over how to honor fallen
The controversy over memorializing fallen soldiers continued as a monument dedicated to a Norwalk native killed in Iraq was unveiled.
Some veterans say a bronze and marble monument in Heritage Park dedicated to Wilfredo Perez's Jr. disproportionately recognizes the solider. Perez was killed four years ago in Iraq while guarding a children?s hospital. He was 24 years old.
A walkway was named in Perez?s honor and the state named a section of I-95 after him. Three years ago his name was placed on a memorial that honors every Norwalk veteran killed in the line of duty since World War Two.
Members of the Veterans Memorial Committee say there are many who only have their names on the memorial at City Hall, and that elected officials should learn to politely decline other requests. They say all soldiers who give their lives for their country should be given equal attention.
?I don't think it's overshadowing anybody. I think if anything it's shedding the light on everybody,? Norwalk Mayor Dick Moccia said of the plaque.


More from News 12