A community-funded restoration is underway to preserve a treasured piece of history in New Milford.

Among the flags, monuments and plaques that honor the military in the town is a World War II tank that has become a landmark since it was donated in 1947.

Since then, it's been a favorite, not just for former military members but their kids and grandkids.

"I'm a ninth-generation person from New Milford and the tank has always represented the veterans of the town, but it's also been something that every generations climbed on,” said Paul Murphy, a Vietnam veteran.

Murphy started a campaign on Facebook, asking for the community to help pitch in and repair the tank, which had rusting areas and peeling paint.

Within minutes, community members stepped up to fund the project.

“A lot of us had tears in our eyes or choked up that we actually had that much of a response,” he says.

Restoration began Wednesday with all the work and supplies donated by local people and businesses. The tank is being sandblasted, then primed and painted its original color from 1940s. The stars and serial number are set to be added next week.

“That’s why I say this is the best town in the USA,” says Mayor Pete Bass.