Showing posts with label Veterans Walkway. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Veterans Walkway. Show all posts

Tuesday, February 18, 2025

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Tuesday, February 18, 2025 ???

Tuesday, February 18

* No scheduled delay for trash/recycle curbside pick up this week due to the holiday, weather might have something to do about though. Stay Tuned

9:00am Fallen Heroes: Alan W. Willard (Veterans, Walkway, Franklin Town Common) 
9:30am Cool Cruisers! (Franklin Public Library) 
10:30am Juice and Jelly Funtime Band! (Franklin Public Library)
6:00pm Table Top: D&D for Adults (Franklin Public Library)
7:00pm Musical Bingo (Raillery Public House)


2nd Annual Nick Gaspar Invitational basketball tournament at Franklin High School = Tue 2/18
1pm Consolation  New Bedford vs. Natick
3pm Championship Franklin vs. Xaverian
*Tickets at gofan ->   https://gofan.co/app/school/MA14576


**  NO   Town Meetings today   **


--------------


Why are there multiple calendars?
What's happening today in Franklin?
What's happening today in Franklin? 
Respectfully, the Library and Senior Center calendars are too full of events to include all their events so we tend to focus on the major events. Town and School meetings are also kept separate. Links for all the calendars are shared here:

Find the full Community event calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Library calendar of events ->    calendar link
The Senior Center calendar of events ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37&showPastEvents=false

Fallen Hero Recognition: Alan Wayne Willard - Feb 18, 2025 - 9 AM

Memorial event today (1/26/25) at 9 AM on the Veterans Walkway at the Town Common to honor Alan Wayne Willard.

This program will include the placing of a Memorial Wreath for the day, the playing of Taps, a salute from those present, and a reading of whatever history  may be available for that veteran.  This is a way of keeping the memory of that veteran alive.

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Fallen Hero: Sergeant Alan Wayne Willard
Sergeant Alan Wayne Willard was born on July 1, 1947 the son of Mr. and Mrs. Warren A. Willard. Alan lived at 529 Pleasant St. with his parents, three brothers and one sister. Sergeant Willard lived most of his life here in Franklin. He was graduated from Franklin High School in 1965 and enlisted in the Air Force in August of that year. Sergeant Willard served for two years with his tour in Vietnam beginning on February 20, 1967.  
Sergeant Willard died on February 18, 1968 of ground causality wounds as a result of a hostile artillery attack when his barracks at Tan Son Nhut Air Base inGia Dihh province, South Vietnam, was struck by rocket or mortar shell fire. He was a member of the 6250th Combat Support Group serving as a radar specialist.  
Sergeant Alan Willard was 20 years old at the time of his death in Vietnam.

Originally posted -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/11/fallen-hero-sergeant-alan-wayne-willard.html 

Sgt Alan Willard
Sergeant Alan Wayne Willard

For the full published series of Fallen Heroes you can visit this link
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/franklin-fallen-heroes-series.html

Photo album of the Fallen Hero pillars along the Veterans Walkway

You can find all the videos for 2024 in one playlist -> 

Tuesday, February 4, 2025

Franklin Fallen Heroes’ Remembrance Ceremonies for February 2025

In honor of the 45 Franklin Veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces, remembrance ceremonies are held on the anniversary of their Killed In Action (KIA) date. 

The ceremonies are led by members of the American Legion Post 75 and VFW Post 3402 and are held at 9:00 AM on the Veterans Memorial Walkway on the Franklin Town Common. 

Family members, friends and members of the community are all welcome to attend.

Fallen Heroes' Remembrance Ceremonies on Town Common
Fallen Heroes' Remembrance Ceremonies on Town Common
In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will be postponed to the following day.

  • February 18 – Alan W. Willard – Vietnam
  • February 22 – James P. Murray – WWI
  • February 24 – David Laughlan III – WWII
  • February 26 – Richard L. Desper – Vietnam

Photo album of the Fallen Hero pillars along the Veterans Walkway


You can find all the videos for 2024 in one playlist -> 

Sunday, January 26, 2025

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Sunday, January 26, 2025 ???

Sunday, January 26

9:00am Fallen Heroes: William 0. Martello (Veterans Walkway, Town Common)
1:00pm Franklin Historical Museum (always free) 
1:30pm Vera Meyer performs on Ben Franklin’s glass armonica (Dean college, Marvin Chapel)
2:00pm Family Concert Series: Discover the World of Classical Music (THE BLACK BOX)
2:30pm Chess Group (Franklin Public Library)


**  NO  Town Meetings today   **


--------------

Why are there multiple calendars?
What's happening today in Franklin?
What's happening today in Franklin? 
Respectfully, the Library and Senior Center calendars are too full of events to include all their events so we tend to focus on the major events. Town and School meetings are also kept separate. Links for all the calendars are shared here:

Find the full Community event calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Library calendar of events ->    calendar link

The Senior Center calendar of events ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37&showPastEvents=false

Fallen Hero Recognition: William O. Martello - Jan 26, 2025 - 9 AM

Memorial event today (1/26/25) at 9 AM on the Town Common Veterans Walkway to honor William O. Martello.   

This program will include the placing of a Memorial Wreath for the day, the playing of Taps, a salute from those present, and a reading of whatever history  may be available for that veteran.  This is a way of keeping the memory of that veteran alive.

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Fallen Hero: Ensign William O. Martello, U.S. Navy
Ensign William Olindo Martello, U.S. Navy, was born on April 14, 1920, son of Theresa and Olindo Martelli. Willam was raised by Theresa and her second husband, Nicholas Martello, at 17 Howard Street with his four sisters and one brother. “Willie” attended the Franklin Schools and graduated from Franklin High School in 1937. William went on to Boston University where he graduated with honors with an A.B. degree and was initiated into Phi Beta Kappa.  
William Martello was a student, artist and musician as well as a fighting man. “Willie” was an accomplished concert pianist and was rated as one of the most promising young pianists in New England. Prior to his naval service “Lindy” traveled on the Grace cruise line to South American as an onboard pianist.  
William O. Martello enlisted in the U.S. Naval Reserves on April 17, 1942 and later began his active naval service on April 8, 1943. William O. Martello attended Columbia’s naval officers training program and was commissioned an ensign upon completion of the program on July 28, 1943. He served as second in command aboard an invasion craft off the coast of the Anzio beachhead below Rome. Survivors of Ensign Martello’s landing craft, which had struck a mine in the waters off Anzio, reported that Ensign Martello had refused to heed the order to abandon ship, had fitted out a life raft with provisions, and when last seen, just as the ship turned over and went down, was hurling life belts into the sea for his crewmen swimming in the water.  
A month before his death Ensign William O. Martello wrote to his mother the following lines in a letter to her: 
“As for the war, we had to adjust ourselves to the personal problems it brought, and if a guy can’t take it, then his life is a failure. That is why I am not even afraid of death. If I did one thing that indicated cowardness, the rest of my life would be miserable.” 
Ensign William O. Martello, U.S. Navy, was lost at sea off Anzio on January 26, 1944 at the age of 23.
FH_Martello
Fallen Hero: Ensign Martello

For the full published series of Fallen Heroes you can visit this link
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/franklin-fallen-heroes-series.html

Photo album of the Fallen Hero pillars along the Veterans Walkway

You can find all the videos for 2024 in one playlist -> 

Thursday, January 23, 2025

Fallen Hero Recognitions: Video parts 8 & 9 (2024)

The Town of Franklin has one of the most beautiful Veteran’s Memorial areas in the state.  If you haven’t been there recently, it is worth a visit.  There are monuments for all wars centered in front of the WWI “Doughboy” monument.  At the rear of the monument area is the Veterans’ Memorial Walkway which currently honors 1866 veterans who have served America.

Perhaps the most moving part of the Memorial area are the 45 granite posts which line the Veterans’ Walkway. Each one of these posts is dedicated to a Franklin veteran who gave his life, defending our freedom. These columns are beautifully done, marked with bronze plaques and a flag. During the holidays, each is also decorated with a beautiful wreath.

Over the past few months, Franklin’s Veterans’ organizations, the Edward L. Grant American Legion Post 75, and the Veteran’s of Foreign Wars Post 3402, under the auspices of the Town’s Veterans Council, have developed a program to further honor those who died for our nation, to ensure they are remembered, and their stories are kept alive.

This program will include the placing of a Memorial Wreath for the day, the playing of Taps, a salute from those present, and a reading of whatever history we may have on that veteran. This is a way of keeping the memory of that veteran alive.

This event will happen 45 times during the coming year.  Some months, like January, only one ceremony will be held. Other months will have multiple ceremonies, such as February with 4 and June with 7.   On March 10, April 9, July 18, and September 21, there will be dual ceremonies as we lost two veterans on the same day.

Families of the veterans are welcome to attend the ceremony.

The public is invited to attend these ceremonies to honor those who gave their lives.

Franklin’s military organizations support numerous veterans’ activities  and encourage all veterans in town to join them.

Video of the set for #8 ->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZPWxPuFczA



Video of the set for #9  (last one for 2024)->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5GgRYYnTdbM



You can find all the videos for 2024 in one playlist -> 

Saturday, December 28, 2024

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Saturday, December 28, 2024 ???

Saturday, December 28
  • Fiber Art Installation (Franklin Public Library) 
  • Franklin Art Association, Art Show & Sale (Norfolk Public Library)
9:00am Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)
9:00am Fallen Hero: Charles E. Mason (Veterans Walkway, Franklin Town Common)
10:00am Franklin Historical Museum (always free)
10:30am Magic with Scott Martell (Franklin Public Library) 
1:00pm Wish upon a Star Slime (Franklin Public Library)
8:00pm Karaoke (Raillery Public House)


**   NO  Town Meetings today   **



---------------

Why are there multiple calendars?
What's happening today in Franklin?
What's happening today in Franklin? 
Respectfully, the Library and Senior Center calendars are too full of events to include all their events so we tend to focus on the major events. Town and School meetings are also kept separate. Links for all the calendars are shared here:

Find the full Community event calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Library calendar of events ->    calendar link

The Senior Center calendar of events ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/node/39/events/upcoming

Fallen Hero Recognition: Charles E. Mason - Dec 28, 2024 - 9:00 AM

Memorial event today (12/28/24) at 9 AM on the Town Common Veterans Walkway to honor Private Charles E. Mason.

This program will include the placing of a Memorial Wreath for the day, the playing of Taps, a salute from those present, and a reading of whatever history  may be available for that veteran.  This is a way of keeping the memory of that veteran alive.

------------

Fallen Hero: Private Charles E. Mason, U.S. Army 
Private Charles E. Mason, U.S. Army Signal Corps, was born on February 24, 1916, son of Fred and Minta Mason. Charles lived at 62 Pleasant Street with his parents and sister. Charles attended the Franklin Public Schools graduating from Franklin High School in 1934. During his high school years, he participated in the Memorial Day ceremonies on the Common by reciting the Gettysburg Address.  
Prior to entering the army, Charles was a member of a Naval Reserve Unit located here in Franklin and served under the command of Fred Cook. David Bullukian, another one of our Fallen 23, also served in this Franklin unit.  
Charles attended Boston Radio and Television School prior to his induction in July of 1941. PVT Charles Mason used this special interest in ham radios and used this skill to converse with people in the area while in the army.  
Private Charles E. Mason died of injuries received in an automobile accident at Fort Monmouth, New Jersey on December 28, 1941 at the age of 25.

 

FH_Mason
Fallen Hero: Private Mason
For the full published series of Fallen Heroes you can visit this link
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/franklin-fallen-heroes-series.html

Photo album of the Fallen Hero pillars along the Veterans Walkway

The video series of recognition ceremonies for 2024 (YTD) 

Saturday, December 14, 2024

Fallen Heroes' Remembrance Ceremonies on Town Common: January - March 2025

Franklin Fallen Heroes' Upcoming Remembrance Ceremonies
In honor of the 45 Franklin Veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces, remembrance ceremonies are held on the anniversary of their KIA date. 

The ceremonies are led by members of the American Legion Post 75 and VFW Post 3402 and are held at 9:00 AM on the Veterans Memorial Walkway on the Franklin Town Common

Family members, friends and members of the community are all welcome to attend. In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will be postponed to the following day.

  • January 26 – William O. Martello - WWII
  • February 18 – Alan W. Willard - Vietnam
  • February 22 – James P. Murray - WWI
  • February 24 – David Laughlan III - WWII
  • February 26 – Richard L. Desper - Vietnam
  • March 10 – Marshall E. Rollins - WWII
  • March 10 – John A. Schur - WWII
  • March 18 – Elton E. Ekstrom - WWII
  • March 30 – W. Franklin Lynch - WWI
Franklin TV has recorded each of the ceremonies. You can view the archive on YouTube ->   https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbAODFjFPJ0zOqXRuHZ5-_LPf6UwmBNSA



Fallen Heroes' Remembrance Ceremonies on Town Common: January - March 2025
Fallen Heroes' Remembrance Ceremonies on Town Common: January - March 2025

Saturday, November 30, 2024

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Saturday, November 30, 2024 ???

Saturday, November 30
  • Fiber Art Installation (Franklin Public Library)
  • Winter Coat Drive (4 drop off locations)
  • Franklin’s Holiday Happenings & Gift Guide (downtown Franklin, MA)

9:00am Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)
9:00am Fallen Hero: Robert L. Cummings (Veterans Walkway, Franklin Town Common)
10:00am Franklin Historical Museum (always free)
10:30am Santa Walk (Franklin Public Library)
4:00pm Orchard Sl'Hay Rides (Fairmount Fruit Farm)
8:00pm Karaoke (Raillery Public House)
8:00pm The Zajac Brothers Band (live music) (THE BLACK BOX)


**  NO  Town Meetings today   **


What's happening today in Franklin?
What's happening today in Franklin? 

---------------

Why are there multiple calendars?
Respectfully, the Library and Senior Center calendars are too full of events to include all their events so we tend to focus on the major events. Town and School meetings are also kept separate. Links for all the calendars are shared here:

Find the full Community event calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Library calendar of events ->    calendar link

The Senior Center calendar of events ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/node/39/events/upcoming

Fallen Hero Recognition: Robert L. Cummings - Nov 30, 2024 - 9:00 AM

Memorial event today (11/30/24) at 9 AM on the Town Common Veterans Walkway to honor Captain Robert L. Cummings.

This program will include the placing of a Memorial Wreath for the day, the playing of Taps, a salute from those present, and a reading of whatever history  may be available for that veteran.  This is a way of keeping the memory of that veteran alive.

------------

Fallen Hero: Captain Robert L. Cummings, U.S. Army

Captain Robert L. Cummings, U.S. Army, was born on August 10, 1915, the son of Louis and Ruth Cummings. Robert lived with his parents, one brother and two sisters at 65 Union Street. 

Robert graduated from Franklin High School with honors in 1933 and enlisted in the Army as a private in 1936. In 1937, he was appointed to West Point and upon completion, 4 years later, was commissioned a Second Lieutenant. In 1942 he received his promotion to First Lieutenant. In November of 1942, Robert married the former Blanche Barwell of North Andover. 

In January of 1943, Robert L. Cummings was promoted to Captain. Captain Cummings served overseas beginning in March of 1944. He took part in the invasion of Guam after having completed special jungle fighting training. Captain Robert L. Cummings, an officer of the famous 77th Infantry Division, lost his life on November 30, 1944 fighting against the Japanese on Leyte. 

Captain Robert L. Cummings was 29 years old at the time of his death on Leyte.

Fallen Hero: Cummings
Fallen Hero: Cummings

For the full published series of Fallen Heroes you can visit this link
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/franklin-fallen-heroes-series.html

Photo album of the Fallen Hero pillars along the Veterans Walkway

The video series of recognition ceremonies for 2024 (YTD) 

Monday, November 11, 2024

Fallen Hero Recognition: Daniel E. McCahill - November 11, 2024 - 9 AM

Memorial event today (11/11/24) at 9 AM on the Town Common Veterans Walkway to honor Daniel E. McCahill

This program will include the placing of a Memorial Wreath for the day, the playing of Taps, a salute from those present, and a reading of whatever history  may be available for that veteran.  This is a way of keeping the memory of that veteran alive.


*****


Fallen Hero: Private Daniel E. McCahill, U.S. Army

Private Daniel E. McCahill, U. S. Army, was born on June 11, 1919, son of Bernard and Mary McCahill. Daniel lived with his parents, three brothers and two sisters at 13 Pinehurst Street. 
Daniel attended the Franklin Schools and graduated from Franklin High School in 1938. He was a fine athlete affectionately known as “long Dan” or “big Dan” who played a hard fast brand of basketball. Dan continued his basketball play in an independent league after high school. 
Daniel answered his country’s call on March 21, 1941 and after a period of training with the 182nd infantry division was sent to the South Pacific war zone. Private Daniel McCahill was killed in action on November 11, 1942 at the Battle of Guadacanal. This campaign is well known for its pivotal role in turning the tide of the war in favor of the Allies in the Pacific Theatre. 
Pvt Daniel E. McCahill was 23 years old at the time of his death while engaged in combat fighting to recapture Guadacanal in World War II.

FH_McCahill
Fallen Hero: Private McCahill

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For the full published series of Fallen Heroes you can visit this link
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/franklin-fallen-heroes-series.html

Photo album of the Fallen Hero pillars along the Veterans Walkway

The video series of recognition ceremonies for 2024 (YTD) 

Sunday, November 10, 2024

Franklin TV: Veterans Day - The Origin Story

by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 11/10/2024

The United States Congress officially recognized the end of World War I when it passed a concurrent resolution on June 4, 1926, with these words:
“Whereas the 11th of November 1918, marked the end of the most destructive, sanguinary, and far-reaching war in human annals and the resumption by the people of the United States of peaceful relations with other nations, which we hope may never again be severed, and –

Whereas it is fitting that the recurring anniversary of this date should be commemorated with thanksgiving and prayer and exercises designed to perpetuate peace, goodwill, and mutual understanding between nations; and –

Whereas the legislatures of twenty-seven of our States have already declared November 11 to be a legal holiday: Therefore be it Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring), that the President of the United States is requested to issue a proclamation calling upon the officials to display the flag of the United States on all Government buildings on November 11 and inviting the people of the United States to observe the day in schools, churches, or other suitable places, with appropriate ceremonies of friendly relations with all other peoples.”
An Act (52 Stat. 351; 5 U. S. Code, Sec. 87a) approved May 13, 1938, made the 11th of November in each year a legal holiday—a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter celebrated and known as “Armistice Day.”

Armistice Day honored our Veterans of World War I. In 1954, after World War II had required the greatest mobilization of soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen in the Nation’s history; after American forces had fought aggression in Korea, the 83rd Congress, at the urging of the Veterans service organizations, amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word “Armistice” and inserting in its place the word “Veterans.” With the approval of this legislation (Public Law 380) on June 1, 1954, November 11th became a day to honor American Veterans of all wars.

And so we pause on this day to give deepest thanks to all of our veterans.
And – as always –
Thank you for listening to wfpr●fm.
And, thank you for watching.
Franklin's Veterans Walkway on the Town Common
Franklin's Veterans Walkway on the Town Common


Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf