***  From Larry Bearfield in Carlisle, Mass. 

On Sunday afternoon, June 28, the Town of Carlisle dedicated our new Veterans' Honor Roll Memorial. It is splendid in its design, elegant in its simplicity and powerful in the statement that it makes to all – especially to future generations. We are proud that it now holds a permanent and significant position on our Town Common.

I was proud to serve on the committee as Chairman of the Dedication Ceremony. During a lull in the weather patterns, before a crowd of 300+ we honored 296 Carlisle veterans in a dignified, solemn and respectful ceremony. With a backdrop of a huge American flag hanging from our Fire Department's ladder truck, Lt. Gen. Ted Bowlds, Hanscom AFB served as our guest speaker. Soloists sang The Star Spangled Banner and America the Beautiful, Boy Scouts led the Pledge of Allegiance, the names on the Honor Roll were read off - with many in the audience calling out "Present!" - our Carlisle Minutemen Company fired rounds of honor followed by the playing of taps with an echo from the other side of the hill. It was all very powerful and emotional.

But leading off the memorable day, were Sailors from the USS Constitution who served as Color Guard for the entire ceremony. In their crisp whites, with solemn faces and with absolute precision, they deserve a Bravo Zulu for the tone they set for the entire ceremony.

All my best,

Larry

Larry Bearfield
Co-Proprietor

Ferns Country Store
"We're right heah in the village center"
8 Lowell Road
PO Box 31
Carlisle, MA 01741
m.617.584.5001
www.FernsCountryStore.com