Re: The Kindness of Strangers

Date: January 24, 2004

"Kindness of a stranger replaces controversial Franklin MIA sign

By GREG SMITH Norwich Bulletin

For Franklin farmer Leo Bienvenue, a sign erected on Route 207 was more than just a memorial for his uncle who died in the Korean War.

It was a reminder to all veterans that "these guys should not be forgotten," he said.

So when thieves yanked the controversial six-by-four-foot sign from the ground, posts and all, during the holidays, it disturbed him.

"It was just hard to understand why," Bienvenue said.

Hearing of the theft, a local sign maker has offered to replace it free of charge. In doing so, he restored Bienvenue's confidence in the kindness of strangers.

John Hansen, owner of Camaro Signs of Yantic, read about the theft and figured it was something that was "right up my alley."

"The guy's trying to do something nice. Why the heck would somebody do that?" Hansen asked. "I thought I could do something to help him."

Though he's never met or even talked to Leo Bienvenue personally, Hansen said he asked co-workers to contact Bienvenue about the specifications of the sign.

He began work on it last week, was putting some finishing touches on it Thursday and said he'll even help to install the sign and supply posts if need be.

When asked why, Hansen said it's one of those things that more people should do.

"I would do more of that kind of stuff if I had the time," Hansen said. "I'm not looking for recognition."

The sign honors the only Franklin resident to die in the Korean War, Paul Henry Bienvenue. Bienvenue was listed as missing in action in 1953 and later as deceased.

The sign bears the POW/MIA symbol and is located on the road that was honored by the state as the Paul Henry Bienvenue Memorial Highway.

"It's great, a wonderful thing to do," Bienvenue. "They just came out and offered. I don't know if he's a veteran or what but to me it's an American thing to do, also a patriotic thing to do. It's just not for one individual, it's for all of them. When you honor one veteran you honor them all."

Hansen said he is not a veteran.

The sign has seen its share of controversy, one of the reasons it may have been stolen.

After it was erected in 2000, the town, acting on complaints, issued a cease-and-desist order for its removal because it violated zoning regulations. But a successful First Amendment lawsuit supported by the Connecticut Civil Liberties Union helped to rescind the order.

gasmith@norwichbulletin.com
©2004 Norwich Bulletin"