Blackhawk Helicopter Part of Memorial Dedication

Workers continue construction of the three new veterans’ memorials.  Behind them is the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. 

– Allison Goldsberry

Medford’s Veterans’ Memorial Dedication Ceremony October 14 keeps getting bigger and bigger.

Last week, Mayor Michael McGlynn announced that US Senator John Kerry, a Vietnam War veteran, will deliver the keynote address at Medford’s October 14 dedication ceremony for three new veterans’ memorials honoring veterans from World War II and the Korean and Vietnam wars.

Today, McGlynn revealed “Singing Trooper” Dan Clark, no stranger to Medford, will warm up the crowd with military and patriotic tunes before the noontime ceremony.

But, as the headline revealed, the real scene-stealer is sure to be a Blackhawk helicopter that will land on the field at Victory Park Sunday morning and will be available for viewing during the event.

Director of Military Support Major Richard Rollins said the chopper will land around 9AM Sunday morning, and Medford residents should be prepared, because it can be heard from miles away.

In the mean time, the memorials are still be constructed and, according to project manager Jack Buckley, should definitely be ready in time for the October 14 dedication ceremony.

Ceremony Details

The dedication begins at noon at Honor Roll Park at 489 Winthrop Street, rain or shine. Residents are invited to attend a barbecue following the ceremony.  Winthrop Street will be shut down for the barbecue.

Medford veteran Tom Convery, the only resident on each memorial for his service in the three conflicts, will deliver the Pledge of Allegiance and Lt. Col. John Hammond of the National Guard will be the master of ceremonies.

The dedication ceremony will be conducted in solemn military fashion with the Massachusetts National Guard Ceremonial Unit, a Howitzer Salute, and the raising of 45 x 90 foot American flag. The Massachusetts Air National Guard Band will provide music for the event.

About the Three New Memorials

A memorial column will commemorate WWII vets that live in Medford now but not at the time of the war along with vets from the Desert Storm and Iraq conflicts. Two other memorials will honors veterans from the Korean and Vietnam wars.

According to Mayor Michael McGlynn, a path from the current memorial will lead to a circular walkway with the memorial column in the center. The Vietnam War Memorial, designed with respect to the well-known Washington, DC memorial, will be further up another path to the right. The Korean War Memorial will be off another path to the left, rectangular in shape with a bench parallel to it, a nod to the famed 38th parallel.

The construction of the new veterans memorials costs $500,000. The City Council recently approved $295,000 for the project. The city is seeking donations and is raising money to help cover the cost. The Mayor held a summer golf tournament that brought in $20,000. The city is also selling patriotic umbrellas that will certainly come in handy during the rain or shine ceremony in the event of bad weather; snag them for $12 in the Mayor or Treasurers’ Office or at the Farmers’ Market at Bestseller Cafe’s booth.