BETHEL — When Bethel celebrated the dedication of the Civil War Soldier’s monument in 1908, The Bethel Citizen reported that “every fluttering flag waved patriotism and every heart throbbed with love of country.”
The newspaper reported: “It was a glorious day and we cannot be too grateful to the enthusiastic mind which conceived it and the loyal workers who cooperated in carrying the plan to such a happy consummation.”
That ceremony included a parade with over 400 people, including a 25-piece band from Rumford, Civil War veterans, school children and “scarlet shirted firemen, and finally citizens of Bethel and environs.”
The newspaper estimated some 2,000 people attended, reporting “the whole village was decked in flags and patriotic bunting.”
This year, as locals gather to observe Memorial Day, volunteer organizers of the new monuments at Honor Roll Park hope for a similar feeling of patriotism and sense of country.
The ceremony, which will be held at the park, will begin at 10 a.m. with a musical prelude from the Mahoosuc Community Band.
Jane Ryerson of Mundt Allen Unit 81 Auxiliary will provide the welcome, and Chaplain Dan Grover of Jackson Silver Post 68 will provide the invocation.
There will be remarks by Scott Cole, commander of Mundt Allen Post 81, and Harry Orcutt, commander of Jackson Silver Post 68.
The Soldier’s Prayer will be recited and, following the presentation of Miss Poppy Jocelyn Crockett, Crockett will recite “In Flanders Fields.”
The dedication of Veterans Honor Roll Park will follow the Memorial Day ceremonies.
Guest speaker will be former state representative and current Oxford County Judge of Probate Jarrod Crockett, a Bethel attorney who retired from the U.S. Army as a major.
Ryerson will oversee the dedication, and Cole and Orcutt will lay wreaths at the monuments.
The program will conclude with a firing party salute, led by Don Feeney, firing square leader of Mundt Allen Post 81, taps performed by Julia Schubert-Cowan and Brian Dunham, and a benediction by Chaplain Richard Farren of Mundt Allen Post 81.
Comments are not available on this story.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
