ATHOL — Members and representatives from the Disabled Veterans Chapter 46 and American Legion Post 102 as well as the American Legion color guard were present for the flag raising and placing of the wreath at all three Veteran Memorial sites in Athol Sunday morning; Vietnam Veterans Memorial on Starrett Avenue, Phillips Park across from the uptown common, and VFW Memorial across from the YMCA.
This Veterans Day was special since it marks the 100th anniversary ending WWI. Armistice Day as it once was called is remembered on the 11th day of the 11th month at 11 o’clock. There are no living WWI veterans for us to thank, but we should thank, respect and honor, all veterans past and present for their service, sacrifice and duty to our country.
Peter Newman, chaplain for American Legion Post 102 welcomed those attending the program held at Memorial Hall to a crowd of 20-25 people. Newman recognized those in attendance including Alan Bowers, State Representative Susannah Whipps, Selectwoman Rebecca Bialecki, Acting Police Chief Craig Lundgren and Arthur Shepardson and Eric Jack from the Fire Department.
Martha Hurwitz from Temple Israel gave the opening prayer. William Rivera led the salute to the flag.
Guest Speaker was Richard Connor, 2nd Vice Commander Massachusetts Disabled Veterans U.S. Army. Connors mentioned today we honor Veterans and especially their families who also have sacrificed while their loved ones are serving away from home. The makeup of current veterans is an aging population with increasingly more females serving their country. Connors shared his experience with PTSD, survivor guilt and how joining the DAV was one of the best things he ever did.
Representative Susannah Whipps asked Toni Phillips, President of the Veteran’s Council, to join her on stage. Phillips plans on stepping down next year after 21 years of experience in planning events and parades for Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day. Whipps presented Phillips with a citation from the House of Representatives thanking her for her dedication and service which was signed by the governor.
Selectwoman Bialecki read the Massachusetts Proclamation commemorating the 100th anniversary of Armistice Day, reminding people that World War I was the Great War, the war to end all wars.
Bill Graziano, Commander of the American Legion Post 102, introduced a poem written by Athol native Gordon Briggs, who was a WWII fighter pilot and flew 53 missions overseas. “Remember the Veteran” by Briggs was a reflection on whether the next generation will remember veterans and the need to honor all American Veterans right up to the present time. Graziano also read from a poem by John Wallace who was killed in action entitled, “Memories of a Fighter Pilot.”
The program ended with presenting a wreath by Roberta Newman and Florence Copeland and the playing of “Taps.” Peter Newman read the closing prayer. Refreshments, courtesy of the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 46, were served in Liberty Hall.