Veterans Memorial Walkway Update - Order by April 1 for install by Memorial Day 2023

The next engraved brick installation on the Veterans Memorial Walkway on the Franklin Town Common is scheduled to coincide with Memorial Day in May. 

An engraved brick makes a great birthday or Mother's or Father's Day gift for your special veteran or current military service member. Brick order forms are available in the Town Hall and Senior Center lobbies as well as on the Veterans' Services page on the Town web site.  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/brick_order_form_with_shannons_name.pdf

The deadline for ordering is April 1, 2023. Call the Veterans' Services Office for more info: (508) 613-1315. 

Thank you to all who have supported the Walkway Project!

Veterans Memorial Walkway Update - Order by April 1 for install by Memorial Day 2023

Veterans Memorial Walkway; Order your brick by Sep 15 for placement in November 2022

Honor your special veteran with an engraved brick this Veterans' Day! 

The deadline for purchasing engraved bricks for the Veterans Memorial Walkway on the Franklin Town Common is September 15 for the November 2022 brick installation. 

Bricks may be purchased to pay tribute to anyone who served or is currently serving in the U.S. military. Brick order forms are available in the Town Hall and Senior Center lobbies and on the Veterans' Services page on the Town website. 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/brick_order_form_with_shannons_name.pdf

Thank you to all who have supported this project

Debra Martin

Franklin Veterans Services

10 Daniel McCahill Street

Franklin, MA 02038

Email: dmartin@franklinma.gov

T: 508.613.1315

Veterans Memorial Walkway; Order your brick by Sep 15 for placement in November 2022

Veterans Service Office page on Town of Franklin  https://www.franklinma.gov/veterans-services 

Veterans Walkway brick order form   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/brick_order_form_with_shannons_name.pdf

Veterans Walkway Database of the honored names and their brick locations

https://www.franklinma.gov/veterans-services/pages/veterans-memorial-walkway-brick-database 

Veterans Service Officer Shannon Nisbett (audio)

FM #651 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 651 in the series. 

This shares my conversation with Franklin’s Veterans’ Service Officer (VSO), Shannon Nisbett. We talked in her office at the Franklin Senior Center on Wednesday, October 20, 2021. 

We talked about her background growing up as an Army brat, coming to live here in Franklin and now her work in the Veterans Office as we review the major events and the daily services provided to veterans.

The recording runs about 9 minutes.  Let’s listen to my conversation with Shannon Nisbett. Audio file -> https://player.captivate.fm/episode/122a3c3d-4b37-4fdd-bec7-167e8ede847f

-----------

Veterans Service Office page on Town of Franklin  https://www.franklinma.gov/veterans-services 

Veterans Walkway brick order form   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/brick_order_form_with_shannons_name.pdf

Veterans Walkway Database of the honored names and their brick locations

https://www.franklinma.gov/veterans-services/pages/veterans-memorial-walkway-brick-database 

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

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial. 

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

 

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

 

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

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

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

 

Veterans Service Officer Shannon Nisbett  (audio)

Veterans Memorial Walkway Update - get your brick order in by Sep 17, 2021

Veterans Memorial Walkway Update

Purchase engraved bricks by September 17, 2021

The next brick installation on the Veterans Memorial Walkway is scheduled for November 2021 to coincide with Veterans' Day.

The deadline for ordering an engraved brick is September 17. 

Brick order forms are available at the Senior Center reception desk, the Veterans'

Services Office, Town Hall lobby and on the Veterans page on the Town website.

AN ENGRAVED BRICK MAKES A GREAT GIFT FOR YOUR SPECIAL VETERAN!

Shared from https://www.franklinma.gov/veterans-services/news/veterans-memorial-walkway-update-3

Veterans Memorial Walkway Update

Veterans Memorial Walkway - brick order deadline for Nov 2021 installation is Sep 17

Order an engraved brick for Veterans Day 2021

Honor your special veteran with an engraved brick this Veterans Day! Bricks may be purchased to pay tribute to anyone who served or is currently serving in the U.S. military.

The deadline for the November orders is September 17, 2021. Thanks to all who have honored our veterans by supporting this project!

Brick order forms are available at:   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/cid_e86af664-bc49-4e27-8f64-61ab92799386.pdf

Please contact the Veterans Services Office at: (508) 613-1315 for more information.

Debra Martin

Franklin Veterans Services

10 Daniel McCahill Street

Franklin, MA 02038

Email: dmartin@franklinma.gov

T: 508.613.1315

BTW - if you have bought a brick and could not find where it is located, there is now a database of the bricks and installation points. The sections are numbered and rows identified whether starting from the Union St side or the Main St side.

https://www.franklinma.gov/veterans-services/pages/veterans-memorial-walkway-brick-database

Veterans Memorial Walkway Update

Veterans Memorial Walkway Update

Order an engraved brick for Memorial Day 2021!

Honor your special veteran with an engraved brick this Memorial Day! The next brick installation is scheduled for May 2021. Bricks may be purchased to pay tribute to anyone who served or is currently serving in the U.S. military.

The deadline for the May installation is April 1, 2021. Thanks to all who have honored our veterans by supporting this project!

Brick order forms are available at: https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/cid_e86af66...

Please contact the Veterans Services Office at: (508) 613-1315 for more information.

Shared from Town of Franklin page

https://www.franklinma.gov/veterans-services/news/veterans-memorial-walkway-update-2

Veterans Memorial Walkway Update

Families Continue to Pay Tribute to Veterans

The fourth installation of engraved bricks on the Veterans Memorial Walkway took place recently on the Franklin Town Common. The next installation is planned for November 2020 to coincide with Veterans Day. Bricks must be purchased by September 14 for this installation.

Veterans being honored do not have to be Franklin residents. For more information or to purchase an engraved brick, contact the Franklin Veterans Services Office at: (508) 613-1315 or go to: www.franklinveteransbricks.com for online orders. Engraved bricks are $100 each.

Pictured left to right: Dale Kurtz, Franklin VSO, and members of the Franklin Veterans Council, Sue Theriot, Ernest Carruthers and Bob Gardner with Bill Fredrick of C & A Masonry, Inc. of Franklin.

Franklin Veterans – July 2020 News

July Coffee Social – Wednesday, July 1 - 10:00 AM. We will host our 3rd VIRTUAL Coffee Social via Zoom. All veterans are invited to join us! Check the Veterans Services page on the Town web site for details.

Veterans Memorial Walkway -The next engraved brick installation on the Memorial Walkway will be completed in July. Thanks to all purchasers for your patience with this during the pandemic. Brick sales will continue with the next installation being planned for Veterans Day in November.

NATIONAL PURPLE HEART DAY is August 7! Franklin is a Purple Heart Community and we are looking for Franklin veterans who have been awarded the Purple Heart. Recipients must live in Franklin or had been a Franklin resident if deceased. We are planning a Purple Heart recognition ceremony on Friday, August 7 at 5:30 p.m. on the Town Common. Please contact the Veterans Services Office at: (508) 613-1315 to be added to our Purple Heart database.

Veterans and Dependents – If you need assistance, please call the Veterans Services Office at: (508) 613-1315.

Franklin Veterans – July 2020 News

Veterans Memorial Walkway Update

Brick Sales Are Ongoing

The May 2020 brick installation has been delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The next installation will be in June.

Brick sales will be ongoing until all bricks have been engraved.

Brick order forms can be found on this web page. Click on the Veterans Walkway Brick Order Form link on the left side of the Veterans Services home page.
https://www.franklinma.gov/veterans-services/files/veterans-walkway-brick-order-form

Veterans or current members of the U.S. military being honored with an engraved brick do not need to be Franklin residents.

For more information, call (508) 613-1315.

Thank you for your support of this project that honors our Veterans!

Veterans Memorial Walkway Update

Veteran's Memorial Walkway Update

The spring brick installation on the Veterans Memorial Walkway will be delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Please stay tuned for updates

Veterans Memorial Walkway: Fourth Brick Installation Planned

The next installation of engraved bricks on the Veterans Memorial Walkway on the Franklin Town Common is scheduled for May 2020. The cut-off date for purchasing bricks for this installation is April 1, 2020.

Engraved bricks are $100 each and include the U.S. veteran’s or current service member’s first, middle and last name and branch of service. Those being honored with a brick do not have to be Franklin residents. 

For more information or to purchase a brick, contact the Veterans Services Office at: (508) 613-1315 or go to www.franklinveteransbricks.com for online orders

 

Veterans Memorial Walkway: A brick for my father is located here. Do you have a relative to honor?

Veterans Memorial Walkway and Franklin Veteran Featured in National Magazine

Memorial Walkway and Franklin Veteran Featured in National Magazine

Leatherneck Magazine - December 2019 Issue

"The Veterans Memorial Walkway and former Franklin Marine Larry Bederian were featured in the December 2019 issue of Leatherneck of the Marines Magazine.

Special thanks to Franklin resident Paul Carbone who submitted a letter and photos to the magazine's editor describing Franklin's newly created Veterans Walkway."

Shared from the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/veterans-services/news/memorial-walkway-and-franklin-veteran-featured-national-magazine

Additional photos of the walkway throughout the seasons can be found online
https://photos.app.goo.gl/oRGdmq9krLNEBnjJ7

Veterans Memorial Walkway and Franklin Veteran Featured in National Magazine

Thank You volunteers for remembering Our Fallen Heroes

"Thank you to the following volunteers who hung Christmas wreathes on the 45 Fallen Heroes' pedestals in December 2019:

Janet Bederian, Larry Bederian, Richard Douglas, John Hefele, Dave Labonte, Jim McNeil, Charlie Oteri, Rose Turco, and Bruce Watkins."

Shared from the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/veterans-services/news/thank-you-volunteers

Thank You volunteers for remembering Our Fallen Heroes

Memorial Walkway Third Brick Installation Planned - Nov 11, 2019

Order Bricks by September 13, 2019!

The third installation of engraved bricks on the Veterans Memorial Walkway on the Franklin Town Common will coincide with Veterans Day, November 11, 2019. The cut-off date for purchasing bricks for this installation is September 13, 2019.

To date, 1,367 engraved bricks have been purchased, representing 22 states and the District of Columbia. Future installations are scheduled to coincide with Memorial Day and Veterans Day each year.

Engraved bricks are $100 each. Veterans being honored do not have to be Franklin residents. 

For more information or to purchase an engraved brick, contact the Franklin Veterans Services Office at: (508) 613-1315 or go to: www.franklinveteransbricks.com for online orders.

Memorial Walkway Third Brick Installation Planned - Nov 11, 2019

Veterans Memorial Walkway - Bricks remain on sale

Brick Sales Are Ongoing

The Veterans Memorial Walkway Project has been an overwhelming success! The Walkway was dedicated on Sunday, November 11, 2018 on the Franklin Town Common. The dedication followed the first installation of engraved bricks as well as 45 memorial plaques which honor Franklin's fallen heroes (from WWI to present day) who made the ultimate sacrifice while defending our country.

Local and state dignitaries, members of the Massachusetts Army National Guard and a crowd estimated at several thousand family and community members attended the Walkway dedication ceremony. The Massachusetts National Guard 215th Army Band and the Franklin High School Chorus provided patriotic music and songs for the event which was followed by a reception at the Franklin Senior Center.

Veterans Memorial Walkway

The second installation of engraved bricks coincided with Memorial Day 2019. Future installations are planned for Veterans Day and Memorial Day moving forward until all Walkway bricks are sold.

The buy-a-brick project offers individuals the opportunity to honor a special veteran by purchasing a brick paver inscribed with the veteran's name and branch of service. Non-Franklin veterans and those currently serving in the U.S. military are also included.

Brick order forms are available in the lobby of the Town Hall and Senior Center, at the Veterans Services Office and online at: franklinveteransbricks.com

Brick order forms are available online at: franklinveteransbricks.com

Staff Sergeant Anthony J. Mucciarone, Jr. written by Angela Baker

I received the email in January, 2019:

"My name is Angela Baker. I am a Franklin resident who is currently a college junior majoring in history at George Washington University. I am presently enrolled in a class which is studying the impact of the D-Day invasion on individual communities and soldiers. For this class, I have been tasked with writing a biography of a soldier from Franklin who participated in the invasion and is buried in the Normandy American Cemetery"

Recently, Angela sent along a copy of her final paper to share:

"On June 6, 1944, one of the greatest, most ambitious, military operations in history occurred. In an effort to liberate France from German occupation and to save Europe from Hitler’s grasp, Allied troops landed at Normandy. It was the beginning of the end of a war spurred by tyranny and oppression, that had brought tragedy and grievous human suffering. Thousands would die in the operation, yet it allowed the Allies to begin their advance toward Germany, toward the end of the war, and toward peace. The men who participated in the operation could hardly know what lay ahead of them at the start of D-Day. This is the story of one of those men. This is the story of Staff Sergeant Anthony J. Mucciarone, Jr."

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczb3ZHbGlvQUNhdWw2Tk9ZWW40aWkycnVvYXZF/view?usp=sharing

A column on the Veterans Walkway for Staff Sergeant Anthony J. Mucciarone, Jr.

Real time reporting: Veterans Agent - Dale Kurtz

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS	None
8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS	Veterans Agent Presentation
9. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS	a. Capital Budget Subcommittee no updates b. Budget Subcommittee no update c. Economic Development Subcommittee no update

Veterans agent Dale Kurtz providing an update to the Council on the services delivered to the veterans of Franklin #tc0410 pic.twitter.com/5EOL88498K

— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) April 10, 2019

More bricks being installed for Memorial Day, still on sale until all sold. Will be installed also on Veterans Day in Nov. #tc0410 pic.twitter.com/fInFBVP7Wd

— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) April 10, 2019

Veterans Memorial Walkway - Next installation for Memorial Day 2019

The next installation of engraved bricks on the Veterans Memorial Walkway on the Franklin Town Common will coincide with Memorial Day 2019.

“Brick sales are ongoing and bricks will be sold until all the bricks on the walkway are engraved,” said Larry Bederian, Chairman of the Veterans Memorial Walkway Committee.

“Engraved bricks make great gifts for family members and friends who are U.S. veterans or currently serving in the military. People buy them for birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas, Mothers’ and Fathers’ Day gifts. It’s a great way to honor our service men and women. And, the veteran doesn’t have to be from Franklin. We’ve had a great response to this project from people all over New England and beyond,” Bederian added.

Engraved bricks include the service member’s first, middle and last name and branch of service. 

Bricks are $100 each and order forms are available in the lobby of the Town Hall, the Senior Center and online at: franklinveteransbricks.com. For more information, contact Franklin VFW Post 3402 at: (508) 533-2377.

Veterans Memorial Walkway - Next installation for Memorial Day 2019

Franklin Annual Report - 2018: Veterans’ Service Officer (VSO)

The Veterans’ Service Officer (VSO) serves veterans and their dependents in recognition of their service to our nation. Responsibilities of the VSO include educating veterans and their dependents about the benefits available to them, dispensing state sponsored veterans’ benefits under M.G.L. Chapter 115 and assisting veterans and their dependents or survivors in obtaining state and federal benefits or entitlements which they have earned.

In addition to my responsibilities to the veterans of Franklin, I serve as the Veterans’ Service Advocate for Norfolk County and as the VSO for the Town of Avon. Norfolk County is the only county in the Commonwealth to have an individual dedicated to Veterans’ Services. Through an agreement between the Town and the County, I am able to continue to support the VSO’s in the 28 cities and towns of Norfolk County while primarily servicing the Franklin veterans’ community.

As our veterans and their dependents/survivors age, there are more demands for benefits provided by the Commonwealth’s Department of Veterans’ Services and the U. S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs. During the past year, there has been an increase in the number of Franklin veterans who have recently completed their military service.

It is very important that veterans and widows identify themselves on the town census. This information enables the VSO to identify services available to them. I sent a letter to every veteran and widow identified on the town census earlier this year. As you see in our contacts this year, the mailing generated a significant amount of interaction for the office.

Fiscal Year 2018 Office contacts for the VSO were:

• Walk-Ins 469
• Appointments 403
• Incoming Calls 1,406
• Outgoing Calls 701
• Actionable Email 184
• Total contacts: 3,163

A 26.4% increase over FY 2017!
Franklin veterans, dependents and surviving family members received over $4,503,000 in compensation and pension payments from the VA in FY 17.

I participated in many civic events during the year at schools and civic groups. The VSO is always willing to attend an event to speak about veterans, veterans’ benefits, the military experience or to support a patriotic event. I invite other veterans to attend such events. If you are interested in attending any event, please contact my office. I also work with Boy Scouts and other students who are interested in community service projects when they are available.

Franklin Veterans’ Council
The Franklin Veterans’ Council meets on the Third Thursday of the month, 7pm, at the Franklin Senior Center. Dates, times and meeting locations are posted on the Veterans’ Services web page. All veterans and any interested individual or organization are welcome to attend. This group serves as a communications outlet for veteran and military related events and activities in the community as well as an opportunity for veterans to obtain information about state and federal benefits and changes. The Council is chaired by the VSO.

Franklin Veterans Memorial Walkway
The Franklin Veterans’ Council formed a subcommittee, the Veterans Walkway Committee in 2016. On October 25, 2017 Dale Kurtz, representing the committee, made a presentation to the Town Council about constructing a Veterans Memorial Walkway on the Town Common. The Town Council unanimously approved the project on November 15,
2017. 

The Veterans Walkway Committee has sold bricks through the VFW Post 3402 to fund the project. Bricks will continue to be sold until the walkway is filled with veterans’ names. Funding was also provided by a grant from the State Department of Veterans Services through the efforts of our state legislators. This committee has done a tremendous amount of research and work to ensure that we properly recognize those veterans from the Town of Franklin who died during our nation’s wars from World War I through today. Construction is scheduled to start in September 2018. The goal is to have the new walkway dedicated on Veterans’ Day 2018. For information about the walkway, please contact the Veterans Services Office.

Veterans’ Day Luncheon
The Franklin Veterans’ Day Luncheon was held on Friday, November 10, 2017 at the Franklin Elks Lodge #2136. Franklin High School Select Chorus led us in the National Anthem and provided musical interludes during the program. American Legion Post 75 presented the colors and we were led in the Pledge of Allegiance by Lisa Plante, Post Chaplain Robert Markunis, American Legion Post 75, provided our invocation. State Representative Jeffrey Roy provided brief remarks for the audience. The VSO provided information about new and existing programs for veterans. Honorably discharged veterans may now shop on line at the Post Exchange, shopmyexchange.com. Veterans may also obtain a Veterans’ ID Card (VIC) at vets.gov. The announcement of the Franklin Veterans Memorial Walkway was the key topic of the program.

Memorial Day Breakfast
Our deceased veterans were remembered at The Franklin Memorial Day Breakfast on Friday, May 25, 2018 at the Franklin Senior Center. Franklin High School choral group led by Olivia Goliger, Franklin Music Teacher, led us in the National Anthem and provided musical interludes during the program. American Legion Post 75 presented the colors. John Hefele, American Legion, led us in the Pledge of Allegiance and Bob Gardner, Franklin veteran, provided our invocation. We remembered the 45 veterans listed on our War Memorials who died during our nation’s conflicts and the 65 Franklin veterans who passed since our last Memorial Day. “Taps” was played after our moment of silent remembrance.

State Representative Jeffrey Roy joined us and made a few brief remarks. Ed Geoffry, age 101 who served in Europe from 1941 to 1946, honored us by attending our breakfast. Natalie Webb and Anna Dixon each read a short article about one of our fallen heroes who will be memorialized on our Veterans Memorial walkway. Natalee wrote the articles which were published in the Franklin localtownpages newspaper. Plaques to be placed in the Memorial Walkway were on display for our guests.

Missing Man Table
The Missing Man Table was re-introduced to our Memorial Day ceremony after years of absence.I would like to explain the meaning of the items on this special table. 

The table is small symbolizing the frailty of one prisoner alone against his or her oppressors. The table is round to show that our concern for them is everlasting. The white tablecloth represents the purity of their response to our country’s call to arms. The Bible represents faith in a higher power and the pledge to our country, founded as one nation under God. 

The single rose in the vase signifies the blood they may have shed in sacrifice to ensure the freedom of our beloved United States of America. The rose also reminds us of the families and friends of our missing comrades who keep faith awaiting their return.The vase is tied with a yellow ribbon, a symbol of our continued determination to account for our missing. The black napkin stands for the emptiness these warriors have left in the hearts of their families and friends. 

The candle symbolizes the everlasting hope for a joyous reunion with those not accounted for. The American flag reminds us that many of them never return and have paid the supreme sacrifice to ensure our freedom. A slice of lemon on the plate reminds us of their bitter fate. 

The salt sprinkled on the plate reminds us of the countless fallen tears of families as they wait. The glass is inverted to remind us of their inability to share in this ceremony. The chair is empty. They are not here. Please remember those who have served and are currently serving our nation in harm’s way.

Vet Ruck New England
In August, a group of veterans from Warrior Thunder conducted a 200 mile ruck across Massachusetts to raise funds for the prevention of veteran suicide. That was 10 miles for each veteran suicide each day. I joined the group as they entered Franklin and walked with them to the Town Common where a brief ceremony was held to recognize their event and to provide some well appreciated refreshments. 

As I continued the walk through Franklin, the walkers commented on how nice Franklin looks and how warm the reception had been. They made comparisons with other towns and were very appreciative of the support they received here. Thank you to all of the town’s people who provided water, refreshments and donations to the walkers. They had started their walk in Pittsfield two day earlier and completed their journey the next day in Plymouth.

Veterans Call
I started a new program on Franklin Local TV, “Veterans Call”. The program is for and about veterans and airs on Franklin “All Access TV”. If you have suggestions for the show, please contact the Veterans Office.

Chair of Honor
The Chair of Honor resided at the Franklin Senior Center most of this year. It will rotate through other town buildings and schools through the next year.

Other Events and Activities
I co-hosted a Women Veteran’s Coffee Hour on February 24th at the Victorian Rhapsody Coffee Shop. I was joined by the Raynham and Norton VSO’s and representatives from other state and federal agencies. It was a good opportunity for women veterans to talk about their service and to obtain support for various benefits. For the past five years, I have worked with the Neponset Valley Rotary Club in hosting a veterans’ networking breakfast. We held this event on February 21st in Dedham and had over 20 veterans attend.

I coordinated a Vietnam War 50th Pinning Ceremony with Congressman Kennedy’s office in March. The event was held at the Foxboro VFW. The Congressman provided 62 lapel pins to Vietnam Veterans.

Community Support
Veterans’ Services thanks these faithful supporters:

• The Franklin Garden Club for the care and maintenance of the Veterans’ Memorial on the town common.
• Elks Lodge #2136, BPOE, for their continued support of Franklin’s veterans including the sponsorship of the Veterans’ Day Luncheon, and the veterans’ fuel assistance program. Elks Lodge #2136 conducts numerous events during the year in support of our veterans in local VA facilities.
• VFW Post 3402 for their assistance with the placement of flags on the graves of our deceased veterans for Memorial Day, their donation of poppies and their ongoing
• support and attention to Franklin’s veterans.
• American Legion, Edward L. Grant, Post 75 for their support of our veterans and their participation in our Veterans’ Day and Memorial Day events. Post 75 visits local
• private medical and VA facilities to support and recognize our veterans.
• The Friends of Franklin Elders for their support of the Memorial Day Breakfast at the Senior Center.
• The staff of the Franklin Senior Center for their daily support of the Veterans Service Office and for their valued support of the Memorial Day Breakfast.
• Franklin High School music department for the support of our events.
• The citizens of Franklin for your support of our veterans and active duty service members.

Although, federal and state definitions of veterans are very specific as to time and component served for qualification for benefits, I hold to this definition of a
veteran:

A veteran is someone – whether active duty, retired, National Guard or Reserve, served one day or twenty years – who at one point in their life wrote a blank check made payable to the Government of the United States of America for an amount of “up to and including my life.”

Thank you for your service.

I am honored to serve Franklin’s veterans and their families.

Respectfully submitted,
Dale L. Kurtz
Veterans’ Service Officer


You can read the full Annual Report for 2018 online
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/franklin_2018_town_report.pdf

The archive of prior year annual reports
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/pages/annual-reports

The Veterans Walkway on the Town Common was opened on Veterans Day, November 11, 2018

In the News: Veterans walkway to get benches; state education budget needs additional funding

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"The Veterans’ Memorial Walkway, a recent installment at the Town Common, will soon be improved when granite benches are installed. 

Veterans Service Officer Dale Kurtz said there wasn’t enough time to have them installed before Veterans Day last year, but they were not forgotten. 

“The weather hasn’t been cooperating, which we expected, so we put that on hold until the spring,” he said. 

Benches won’t be dedicated to anyone or have any engravings, Kurtz said, but will most certainly add to the aesthetic of the exceedingly popular new walkway."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190130/franklin-veterans-memorial-walkway-to-add-benches

"Gov. Charlie Baker’s budget proposal takes steps that are “crucially important” to efforts around building equity and closing achievement gaps in colleges and universities, according the state’s higher education commissioner. 

Meanwhile, a coalition of education groups and teachers unions is pushing for the passage of legislation calling for $500 million in new funding for public colleges and universities. 

Higher Education Commissioner Carlos Santiago said Massachusetts leads the pack educationally in a number of ways -- for one, boasting the highest percentage of its population with postsecondary degrees -- but also faces “startling” gaps. 

A white female student’s likelihood of completing a college degree is around 65 percent, he said, but for a Latino male student, that falls to about 20 percent, Santiago said at an event hosted by the Rennie Center for Education Research and Policy."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190130/baker-higher-ed-plans-called-unprecedented-inadequate