WORCESTER, Mass. (AP) — A memorial to a Worcester teenager killed in action during World War I may soon be moved to another site in the city because it has become a hangout spot for panhandlers.

The City Council Veterans’ Memorials, Parks and Recreation Committee has voted to have the city relocate the Sullivan Memorial to a yet-to-be determined location, The Telegram & Gazette reported.

Pvt. Charles J. Sullivan, who was born in Worcester in 1901, enlisted in the Army in 1917 and was killed in action in France, on July 21, 1918, at age 17. He is buried in an American cemetery there.

A granite block memorial and plaque were put up in Sullivan’s honor more than 60 years ago. He has no known living relatives.


City Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson said the memorial has become a “leaning post” for panhandlers who congregate there and leave behind their trash.

Resident Andrea Mattei has has been a driving force in getting the memorial moved.

Mattei has said the memorial stone and plaque are badly in need of restoration.

Mero-Carlson had filed a petition requesting that the Sullivan Memorial be moved about 50 feet to the north, closer to Interstate 290, or to the entrance of the nearby Wawecus Road School.