by Laura A. Brodin

Almost 60 years after its construction, the Veterans Honor Roll in front of City Hall, honoring Somerville residents who served in World War II, was recently restored for the first time.

“It was put up in 1945 and was never given a facelift until now,” said Frank P. Senesi, director of Veterans Services.

Senesi said he decided to restore the Honor Roll after taking office in January.

The Honor Roll, which lists the names of Somerville residents who served in World War II, as well as some who served in the Korean War, was in need of repair.

“The glass had become distorted, and nobody could read the names,” Senesi said.

The restoration was funded through a joint effort by the Department of Public Works and Somerville Veterans Services. Each department spent $2,400. Thomas Nazzaro, of General Glass & Mirror Company, donated all of the glass panels at a cost of $2,300.

The restoration, which took two months to complete, was finished by Memorial Day, in conjunction with the opening of the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C., Senesi said.

“Everybody seems to be happy with it,” Senesi said.

“Now, everybody can see the names.”