Memorial Day

How many times have all of us driven past the Town Hall or attended a meeting there and noticed the stone war memorial monument? Do any of us stop and really look at it to honor those who sacrificed for our freedoms? It is a memorial to all who fought bravely in wars starting with the American Revolution up until today. The front states it is a remembrance dedicated on May 28, 1989, by Thetford Post 79 and its Auxiliary. The back of the stone lists the wars in which these brave men and women served.

At the March 2, 1989, Town Meeting the discussion began about a resolution to add a bronze plaque to Town Hall with the names of Korean and Viet Nam veterans. Legion members Jim Masland, Tim Beebe, and Bob Pulaski spoke in favor, while several others spoke in opposition. There was much discussion about whose names should be included — those living in town 1989 or those who went off to war from Thetford? No agreement was reached, and the resolution was passed over. Subsequently, Robert Bacon proposed the granite monument dedicated to veterans but without names, and that became the worthy solution. Mr. Bacon provided the original wording, and Jim Masland added the words “Be at Peace.”

Please take a moment when passing to remember all the brave people who have fought for our freedom.

Thank you to Nathan Pero, Luther Johnson, and Jim Masland for all their help with this article.