For kids in New Milford, climbing on the tank has been a right of passage, and for High School seniors, signing their name on the tank is part of the graduation process.

Now, the famous tank, which is in need for major work, is finally getting a face lift as the community comes together to get rid of the rust, and touch up the peeling paint, which has caused concern with residents, especially since kids just love playing on the tank.

The tank itself is a World War Two M-3, and has occupied a spot on the south part of the New Milford green since the late 1940's.

Residents and businesses will be donating supplies and the manpower. It's a total community effort among town agencies, veteran groups, businesses, individuals and scouts.

The work, which began yesterday (Wednesday), is scheduled to continue through the weekend. Jim Delancy is the commander of VFW Post 1672 in New Milford, and he told milfordmorror.com that the time has come to give the tank a little TLC:

I think it’s a great thing, the tank needs to be spruced up, and the people who are stepping up is a great tribute to the town and veterans.

Restoring the tank will be a full fledged effort with the tank actually being lifted of it's concrete pad. This will allow workers to see the underside of the vehicle, and repairs will be done as needed. The tank will also be sandblasted and painted it's original color from 1942.

The tank, which was used primarily in the European Theater during World War II, once had a top speed of 35 miles an hour, and was dubbed the Stuart by the Army after the Confederate General, J.E.B. Stuart. The British, who used it in North Africa, affectionately called the tank "Honey."

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