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Manchester directors create Veterans Committee, rename memorial park

Journal Inquirer - 5/5/2021

May 5—MANCHESTER — The Board of Directors had veterans on the mind Tuesday, passing a resolution establishing a Veterans Advisory Committee while also renaming Veterans Memorial Park to honor one of the town's most notable veterans.

The board unanimously approved an ordinance creating the Veterans Advisory Committee, brought up by Director Peter Conyers. Conyers, a U.S. Army veteran himself, said the goal of the committee "is to enhance town efforts to provide vets with resources and information."

Among other things, the new committee will be tasked with gathering information and making connections to both local and state agencies, advocating for veterans at those levels, and recognizing and honoring the town's veterans while helping them navigate and find resources they need. Homelessness and health care issues will also be focuses of the advisory committee.

Conyers said the committee will report to the Board of Directors annually on what issues local veterans are facing. Many directors thanked Conyers for bringing the idea of this committee to their attention and expressed support for the work it will do.

Later during their meeting Tuesday, the board voted unanimously to rename Veterans Memorial Park to Nate Agostinelli Park in honor of a local Manchester veteran.

The park is located on Center Street in a triangle of land formed by Munro and Porter streets; it has monuments to veterans of several wars.

A Manchester resident and former mayor, Agostinelli served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict and worked his way up to brigadier general in the Connecticut Army National Guard over the course of his military career.

He was also appointed by the Secretary of the Army to be civilian aide to the secretary representing Connecticut, and director of selective service for the state under President Clinton.

Agostinelli, who was the president of Manchester State Bank, is the only Manchester resident elected to state office, having served as state comptroller.

Mayor Jay Moran said Agostinelli has been helping people in both his professional and private lives for years.

"He loves this community, doesn't care if you're an R (Republican) or a D (Democrat)," Moran said.

Agostinelli also is involved with Unico, an Italian-American service organization, and the Army & Navy Club.

Director Sarah Jones thanked residents and town staff for bringing Agostinelli's "long record of service" to the attention of the Board of Directors.

Director Ellen Dougan said Agostinelli has remained involved in town projects and events throughout his life and has also been in statewide and local organizations.

"This is a deserved honor, and residents of Manchester should be proud to have his name on that park," Conyers said.

For updates on Manchester and Bolton, follow Skyler Frazer on Twitter: @SkyFraCT, Facebook: SkyFraCT, and Instagram: SkylerFrazerJI to stay updated on his latest articles.

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