Restoration of the O’Brien Family War Memorial - Phase II: Storyboard

Phase I, the restoration of the aging memorial grotto, built in the 1950s, was completed in October 2020 by Grand Concourse Authority (GCA). While awaiting completion our Association also held discussions with GCA about the creation of a storyboard to tell the tragic story of the O'Brien family. Our Association's Veterans Memorial Committee started working with our Town’s Heritage Committee, the Town’s Museum, and the O’Brien family to gather information and photographs about the World War II efforts of all 6 brothers. This summer, the GCA was contracted to start Phase II: the design and installation of a storyboard  adjacent to the grotto.   Realizing that there were significant gaps in the information and almost nothing known about James O’Brien, GCA, under our direction, subcontracted Dale Russell, Heritage Interpretive Services St. John’s, to search the archives and military records for higher quality images and more background information on all brothers who served. The storyboard will be erected to the left of the grotto on the grounds of St. Francis of Assisi Church in Outer Cove before the July 1st Memorial Day 2022 (a picture of the draft of the storyboard layout is below). Already a cement base has been poured for the storyboard. Additional fundraising for the completion of this project which will continue in 2022. Your donation will ensure that this project is completed. Donate Today!