Misspelled hero's name on Hoboken War Memorial

HOBOKEN, N.J. (WABC) -- At the center of every Memorial Day Salute in Hoboken, is the granite memorial to the city's World War II soldiers who gave the ultimate sacrifice. Their names are carved in stone for all to read and honor. But one name, this 20 year old soldier who died in battle, was misspelled.

"I'm sad that I have to ask for help for someone who fought for our country," said Lisa Palumbo, the veteran's neice. Her great uncle's name was John Martocchia's not "Martocchi" as was erroneously engraved. Family members have tried to get the city of Hoboken to fix the mistake. This letter from the city's previous Mayor promises a correction, 6 years ago.

"It's very tiring and very emotional and frustrating," Palumbo said. "Having it initially incorrect, I don't think is disrespectful. Because it wasn't intentional. But the amount of time?"

The family's Hoboken roots run four generations deep. Her great grandfather ran a tavern on Monroe Street. Her father was police lieutenant. Lisa remembers the stories when "cousin Johnny" didn't make it home from the war. After years of trying to get the legacy fixed on her own she turned to 7 On Your Side.

"I said, 'Well this is my last shot,'" Palumbo said.

Last Veteran's Day, 7 On Your Side got a commitment from Hoboken Mayor Dawn Zimmer. "Now that it's been brought to our attention we are taking it seriously and are going to get it addressed," Zimmer said.

And true to her word, Hoboken's city council approved the repair.

John Burns of Burns Brothers Memorial didn't make the original, but stepped in to help repair it.

"It should be right. You should have your name spelled right. It's there forever," Burns said.

He had to wait until after the winter. But earlier this spring, the granite panel with the misspelling was removed. Then it was taken away to be sanded down and re-engraved, just in time for Memorial Day.

The long missing "A" was added at last and set in stone, for all to remember and honor.