Somerville Has Plans To Reestablish Veterans Commission This Spring

SOMERVILLE, MA — The City of Somerville has announced that it is reestablishing the Veterans Commission, which has been inactive during the pandemic.

Meetings for the organization are expected to start this spring, and all five volunteer positions are available. Three spots on the commission are reserved for military veterans, according to the city.

The city is asking motivated residents to submit applications, which are due by March 22. Somerville Mayor Katjana Ballantyne ultimately will appoint the residents to the commission.

The role of the commission, according to the city, is to maintain the custody and care of all monuments, memorials and dedications in Somerville ensuring they respectfully commemorate the services and sacrifices of the soldiers, marines and airmen who served the country, or the Commonwealth, during times of war.

"The commission will also develop policies and procedures for the construction and review of memorials, monuments and hero square dedications," the city said in a statement.

Residents submitting applications are asked to explain why they would like to serve on the commission and list relevant experience. There also is an option to submit a professional resume.

Members of the commission will serve one, two or three-year year terms, with the potential for the reappointment for a three-year term, the city said.

According to the city, the commission will meet monthly for approximately two hours, with additional time commitments on Memorial Day and Veterans Day.

Applications should be submitted online to veterans@somervillema.gov or mailed to Attn: Veterans Commission Member Application, Somerville Department of Veterans Services, 50 Evergreen Ave., Somerville, MA 02145.

Questions about the commission should be submitted to the Somerville Department of Veterans Services at 617-625-6600, ext. 4700, or veterans@somervillema.gov.