Vets to Be Honored at Bellingham Library Program on Nov. 9
Oct 31, 2014 06:00AM ● By Pamela Johnson
Shown at last year's program (L-R) are Brandon Perella, Gordon Curtis and James Wood
For the third consecutive year, the Bellingham Library will host the town’s annual Veterans Day ceremony. We invite the entire Bellingham community to take time to honor our veterans by joining us for this event, which will include light refreshments, on Sunday, Nov. 9, at 2 p.m.
The event, planned by Jim Hastings of the Bellingham Memorial and Veterans Day Committee, will include a presentation of the colors by the Blackstone Valley Young Marines and remarks from three veterans: John T. Kristant, US Air Force, Iraq and Enduring Freedom Veteran; Maura Stevens, US Army Nursing Corps; and Lt. Colonel John F. Griffin, USMC, Commanding Officer, 1st Battalion 25th Marine Regiment, Ft. Devens, as well as a wreath-laying ceremony at the library flag. (See the event schedule below.)
As we have in each of the past three years, the library will collect toiletries and other items for Veterans Inc., a Worcester shelter for homeless veterans. Donations may be dropped off at the library before or at the Veterans Day event. A full list of items requested can be found on the library website, www.bellinghamlibrary.org.
LIBRARY VETERANS PROGRAM SCHEDULE
The event, planned by Jim Hastings of the Bellingham Memorial and Veterans Day Committee, will include a presentation of the colors by the Blackstone Valley Young Marines and remarks from three veterans: John T. Kristant, US Air Force, Iraq and Enduring Freedom Veteran; Maura Stevens, US Army Nursing Corps; and Lt. Colonel John F. Griffin, USMC, Commanding Officer, 1st Battalion 25th Marine Regiment, Ft. Devens, as well as a wreath-laying ceremony at the library flag. (See the event schedule below.)
As we have in each of the past three years, the library will collect toiletries and other items for Veterans Inc., a Worcester shelter for homeless veterans. Donations may be dropped off at the library before or at the Veterans Day event. A full list of items requested can be found on the library website, www.bellinghamlibrary.org.
LIBRARY VETERANS PROGRAM SCHEDULE
- Present and Post Colors: Blackstone Valley Young Marines
- National Anthem: Robert Oliver, Bellingham High School
- Pledge of Allegiance: Eli Cowell and Taylor Stacey, Stall Brook School
- Invocation: Father David Mullen St. Brendan's Parish, US Navy Veteran
- Welcome: Bernadette Rivard, Bellingham Library Director
- Opening Remarks: Jim Hastings, member Memorial & Veterans Day Committees
- Speaker: Senator Richard Moore
- Music: Robert and Joseph Oliver
- Speaker: Captain Maura Stevens, US Army Nursing Corp
- Speaker: TSgt. John T. Kristant US Air Force, Iraq & Enduring Freedom Veteran
- Music: Bellingham Community Concert Chorus
- Guest Speaker: Lt.Colonel Christopher T Graves, USMC, Commanding Officer, 1st Battalion 25th Marine Regiment Ft. Devens, MA
- Closing prayer: Pastor Baron Rodriques
- Retire the Colors: Blackstone Valley Young Marines
- Flagpole, Lay wreath, Prayer: Pastor Richard Mosher, US Air Force Veteran
- Taps
