Memorial Day 2024: ‘Remember Their Names’

Editor’s note: Vietnam veteran and longtime Marion resident Charlie Brown enlisted in the Army in 1966, was selected for Officer Candidate School and upon completion was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant. He was transferred to Vietnam and assigned to the First Cavalry Division Airmobile, with 430 helicopters – their rides into battle. He was combat wounded in December 1966 and again in January 1967. In January 1968, his division was flown just north of Hue and defended against the North’s Tet Offensive. Following nine months in the field, Lieutenant Brown was transferred to the battalion headquarters that would be attacked and partially overrun. Lieutenant Brown received his third Purple Heart and the Silver Star for actions leading his troops defending the headquarters. In the years since, Mr. Brown has made it his mission in retirement to support his combat brothers, their families, and the families of the fallen. The Wanderer invites the keynote speaker of Marion’s Memorial Day observance at Old Landing to share his words with our readers.

By Charles A. Brown, retired U.S. Army

            Our Memorial service in Marion is so special as it reflects the core values of this small town in America. Today is a day to pause and reflect upon our service members who lost their lives serving on behalf of the United States, no matter when, where or which military conflict was involved.

            We are a grateful nation that honors and give thanks to the brave who served and sacrificed, and they were brave no matter the role they had. It is a team consisting of all of our services that has kept this country safe.

            Many here today have likely lost a family member, neighbor or friend in service to our country. For Gold Star families, those who have lost an immediate family member, today is a day to mourn and honor.

            President Lincoln stated in his Gettysburg address, “These dead shall not have died in vain.”

            I’d like to ask you to “remember their names!”

            Someone once said, “Death is not final until you are forgotten.”

            My Cavalry Company, Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry (the oldest Cavalry unit in the Army) … First Air Cavalry Division has a reunion each year. Our bond as brothers is stronger today, and they are meeting in Nashville as we speak.

            My service was in Vietnam. In Vietnam, it was hard to get to know each other. I knew my medic (they were all called Doc), my Platoon sergeant, radio operator, squad leaders, jokers and troublemakers. The good soldiers blended into the background. Today we know each other well. We know of their families and their lives lived.

            Sadly, we lost troopers on the first day they arrived in the field, some nine days before they would go home, and 34 great young Americans on one day. At the closing of our reunion’s final night, we remember the 150 of our brothers who died in Vietnam. We state their name, age, hometown, show their picture and the date they were killed in action or passed. It continues to bring tears to my eyes 57 years later.

            These days, I try to spend time talking with the families of our fallen. Although most parents have passed, the siblings, children, fiancés, nieces and nephews, school children, neighbors and fellow veterans are asking about our fallen troopers. The stories are heartbreaking, but the effort to help these family members is beyond rewarding. They are keeping history going by saying – the – names.

            About a month after I came home from Vietnam, a soldier in my company was killed by a sniper. His name was Ronald Charles Bakewell from Pennsylvania. His nickname was “Smokey.” A helicopter came out to pick up his body. The trooper was wrapped in a poncho and hoisted out of the jungle. Another son of America was on his way home.

            Ironically, the pilot of that helicopter was Howard Burbank of Westport, a good friend now. Howard remembered that day, as he was shot down two hours later, his first week flying in Vietnam. Last week, I was honored to introduce Howard to the brother of Trooper Bakewell. They spoke for an hour. Both the family and pilot were thankful.

            “The soldier stops bleeding, but the families never do.”

            I quote an unknown author, “Death is not final until you are forgotten. While I breathe, you will live on, and your sacrifice for our freedom will be remembered.”

            We will remember you “Smokey” Bakewell!

            I encourage everyone here today to take an hour each year to learn a name of someone we honor on Memorial Day. Place flowers or flags at our local or national cemeteries.

            But please, never forget, these sentinels of America.

            In 1918, inspired by the poem “In Flanders Fields,” Moina Michael replied with her own poem.

            An excerpt from it said: “We cherish, too, the Poppy red, that grows on fields where valor led. It seems to signal to the skies, that blood of heroes never dies.”

            Memorial Day is about our coming together to honor those who gave their lives, for our country. May they rest in eternal peace … never forgotten.

            Thank you for being here! It has been my honor to be with you!

Committee Must Not Slow Process

            The Mattapoisett Select Board took up the matter of establishing a new committee to “review and comment” in an advisory capacity on the Department of Transportation village streets reconstruction project, a TIP-funded project.

            At the Annual Town Meeting held on May 13, public opinion on whether or not the board should consider an advisory committee was favored by the majority of voters. The concept of such a committee was borne of frustration on the part of members of the Tree Committee who believed they were not being included or properly informed on the proposed roadway-reconstruction project.

            On this night, Select Board member Tyler Macallister said he would express his opinion on forming a committee after the June 18 meeting being held by the state Department of Transportation but was not supportive if it caused the project, which is well underway from a design standpoint, to be slowed down. Member Jordan Collyer said he supports a “thoughtful committee.”

            A letter received from the state agency noted the reason for the meeting was to give the town an opportunity to acquaint itself with the proposed Corridor Improvement Project and related work on Main Street, Water Street, Beacon Street and Marion Road. It goes on to say that, “All views and comments made at the meeting will be reviewed and considered to the maximum extent possible.”

            Highway Surveyor Garrett Bauer was invited to join the Select Board in discussing the types of professional backgrounds and expertise candidates for the committee should hold. He said committee members should represent the entire community, not just a single location. He, too, expressed that the committee should not negatively impact the pace of the project, now at the critical 20% design completion point.

            Robin Peach asked that the Select Board give prospective committee members some type of idea on time investment. Collyer speculated that there 18 to 24 months will pass before design is complete.

            The board asked that interested residents submit a letter of interest with their resumes to the board before June 18. The matter will be taken up again at the Select Board’s next meeting on June 11.

            Before moving on in the agenda, Mike Rosa stated that he had “full confidence and faith” in the board.

            In other matters, the Select Board reorganized, setting Collyer as chairman, Macallister as vice-chairman and Jodi Bauer as clerk. They also voted to adopt Massachusetts General Law Chapter 90B, Section 12, granting police personnel the right to patrol the waterways of Mattapoisett.

            The board voted to use $24,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding for technology upgrades. The board declared the Council on Aging’s 2016 Ford E350 vehicle as surplus.

            A seasonal trailer permit was granted to Patricia and Gregory Bartlett for 0 Silvershell Avenue for August 2, 3, 9, 10, 24, 25, 30, 31 and September 1, 2, 6 and 7.

            Janice Robbins was appointed to the Southeastern Regional Planning and Economic Development District (SRPEDD) Joint Transportation and Planning Group, as well as an alternate representative.

            Town Administrator Mike Lorenco advised the public that there are open seats on the Finance Committee and that the Commission on Disability would be rebooted and needs commission members.

            The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Select Board is scheduled for Tuesday, June 11, at 6:00 pm.

Mattapoisett Select Board

By Marilou Newell

June Events at the Mattapoisett Library

Poet Laureate of Jersey City Ann E. Wallace will read from her book Days of Grace and Silence: a Chronicle of Covid’s Long Haul on Saturday, June 1, at 2 pm. A reception and book signing will follow. All ages welcome! No registration required.

            The Teen Advisory Board meets on Tuesday, June 4, at 6:00 pm. Interested teens can contact Amanda Lawrence at alawrence@sailsinc.org. TAB is an action-oriented group of students who work to integrate their youthful voices into MFPL’s services, programming, goals and communications. New members are welcome!

            WildKat Hoops presents Hula Hooping on Friday, June 14, at 11:00 am, on the library’s lawn, weather permitting. Participants will learn basic hula hooping moves while increasing hand-eye coordination, strength, balance and agility. No prior hooping experience is required. Wear comfortable clothes and bring a water bottle and an open mind. Host Kat Suwalski provides hoops! Ages 12+.

            Our Cookbook Club meets on Tuesday, June 18, at 6:30 pm. This month’s pick is Ad-hoc At Home by Thomas Keller. Copies of the book are available at the library and on the Hoopla app! We welcome new members. No registration required!

            Join our brand-new writing group on Tuesday, June 25, at 6 pm in the Marine Room! Bring your favorite writing accessories (e.g., paper, pen, computer) and get ready for the spark as ideas pop up in this creative writing session facilitated by Alanna Nelson. You’ll be on your way to crafting work to submit to Sippizine, the community culture journal.

            For more information, please contact the library at mfpl@sailsinc.org, check our website: MattapoisettLibrary.org or visit us at 7 Barstow Street, Mattapoisett.

Rochester Elections

To the Editor;

            I’m writing to express my concern that this year’s election was poorly conducted and has eroded my faith in the process here in Rochester. First we experienced misprinted mail in ballots. The original mail in ballots said “vote for one” in the RMS School Committee Race and vote for one in the Library Trustees Race. Both should have read “vote for two”.

            In a very close election it is vital that every detail is managed correctly. In the RMS race one of the candidates lost by just 24 votes. There were 221 blanks in that race, meaning that 221 second votes were not cast in that election. Think about it, 221 blanks, that is double from the last school committee race that took place in 2022 where there were also four candidates vying for two seats. I believe the mail-in ballot debacle contributed significantly to this excessive number of blanks.

            Here in Rochester, we elect our Town Clerk. Popular candidates with the best intentions may not be the right choice. Or there may be only one candidate to choose from. The town clerk doesn’t make political decisions. They are there to do a job. I suggest that we no longer elect our town clerk, but hire through the select board, a vetted professional with experience and expertise to manage our elections. Rather than selecting from among those who simply choose to run every three years, we should hire from an array of qualified individuals.

Michael Kovacevich , Rochester

The views expressed in the “Letters to the Editor” column are not necessarily those of The Wanderer, its staff or advertisers. The Wanderer will gladly accept any and all correspondence relating to timely and pertinent issues in the great Marion, Mattapoisett and Rochester area, provided they include the author’s name, address and phone number for verification. We cannot publish anonymous, unsigned or unconfirmed submissions. The Wanderer reserves the right to edit, condense and otherwise alter submissions for purposes of clarity and/or spacing considerations. The Wanderer may choose to not run letters that thank businesses, and The Wanderer has the right to edit letters to omit business names. The Wanderer also reserves the right to deny publication of any submitted correspondence. All letters must be typed and submitted directly to: news@wanderer.com.

House Ablaze Was About to Close

            Neighbors across the street from an inspiring display of teamwork involving the Rochester Fire Department and support from neighboring Wareham, Marion, Mattapoisett and Acushnet departments described the High Street house that caught fire on Monday morning in Rochester as “cursed.”

            A fire at the address had occurred two years ago, but what had widely been considered an eyesore littered with broken-down cars has since been cleaned up by a new owner, along with a substantial rehabilitation of the house. According to observers, the sale of the home was scheduled to close on Tuesday of this week, the day after the fire.

            According to information posted by the Rochester Fire Department, the 10:18 am call came into the Duxbury-based Regional Old Colony Communications Center while many members of the Rochester Fire Department were participating or volunteering in the Rochester Memorial Day Boat Race that finishes where the Mattapoisett River meets Route 6, over 11 miles from the site of the fire by way of the fastest route.

            An immediate box assignment was requested, bringing automatic mutual aid from the surrounding towns’ fire departments for station coverage. Wareham, which was closest to the address with its Station 2 on Route 28, was first to arrive.

            “Their quick mutual aid response and deployment of two quick attack lines knocked down the heavy exterior fire, and a simultaneous aggressive interior attack put a quick stop to a rapidly progressing fire,” said Rochester Fire in its release.

            The release went on to summarize how Rochester and Marion crews arrived and assisted with the interior knockdown, and “the crew from RFD Tower 1 conducted roof operations, venting and overhauling the dormer area. Crews from Mattapoisett … arrived to assist with overhaul. Tankers from Marion and Rochester assisted with water supply. RFD Engine 191 established a drafted water supply on Forbes Road.”

            The fire was knocked down and officially under control by 10:45 am, according to the release. Crews remained on scene for over 90 minutes, overhauling and cleaning up.

            Firefighters cut into the side of the house with a chainsaw and began tearing away siding. The synthetic clapboard curled up against the house as it melted from the heat.

            According to the release, a witness attempted to put the fire out and was evaluated by EMS but did not require transport to a hospital.

            Mutual Aid Agreements between communities is vital to providing additional manpower and assets when needed, according to the Rochester Fire Department.

            “Today’s quick response shows just how well mutual aid agreements work,” the release stated, offering public thanks to mutual-aid partners from Wareham, Marion, Mattapoisett and Acushnet fire departments, as well as the Rochester Police Department, which assisted with traffic control.

            Former Marion Fire Chief Jon Henry accompanied Chief Brian Jackvony to the scene and could be seen carrying a large case of bottled water down High Street before a uniformed firefighter met him to bring it the rest of the way to firefighters on the site. Before trucks began to pull away, a canteen truck from Providence arrived with refreshments and rehydration.

By Mick Colageo

Mattapoisett Remembers Veterans

Mattapoisett’s Florence Eastman American Legion Post 280 hosted the annual Memorial Day Observances with participation from not only the post in the form of Post Commander Rachel Perron guiding the event that included performances from the Old Hammandtown Elementary School Band and the Showstoppers.

            With the passing of Chaplain Richard Langhoff, Tri-Town Veterans Agent Chris Gerrior led the participants in prayer. There followed remarks from Mattapoisett Select Board member Jordan Collyer, a reading of the Governor’s Proclamation by Old Rochester Regional High School student Zoe Motta and a rousing rendition of “My Country ‘Tis of Thee.”

            These beginning points in the town’s Memorial Day Observances set the tone – a mixture of looking back in reverence to fallen military personnel and looking forward to understand the meaning of giving one’s all.

            Retiring State Representative William Straus said that this was the last time he’d be addressing the town in this manner, having made the decision not to run for re-election. He said he wanted to say something different, which was difficult after many years of giving Memorial Day speeches.

            “We have no direct connection to Gettysburg,” he began, “yet Lincoln was looking back and finding meaning in looking forward, because there was unfinished business.”

            The Gettysburg Address, written at a time when the country had much unfinished business to deal with, was read by Old Colony Regional Vocational-Technical High School student Geneva Gerrior, whose tender voice gave new reference to words that still resonate throughout the country.

            Perron read the poem “In Flanders Fields,” written by Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae, a few poetic lines that describe the darkness of war.

            After the playing of “Grand Old Flag” by the band, local correspondent Linda Ferreira shared her thoughts. She shared the story of her own family’s military service that included marrying into a military family. Her husband Daniel Ferreira is currently serving in the Army National Guard as a Chief Warrant Officer 5 and has served 38 years.

            Ferreira said that Memorial Day was very special for her family and explained the differences between Armed Forces Day, for those currently wearing a uniform, Veterans’ Day for those who once wore a military uniform, and Memorial Day, “…for those who never made it out of uniform.”

            Ferreira closed her comments with a poem by Frederick Emerson published in 1892 and which reads in part: “Wherever we gather today ’neath the stars, let’s honor the living now wearing the scars, which they brought from the fields of battle and strife, while protecting our flag and our nation’s life, let the flowers bear tribute in their simple way, and each one remember Memorial Day, remember the dead and the living though few, who fought ’neath the stars and the red, white and blue.”

By Marilou Newell

Trombly Wins School Committee Seat

            Rochester’s May 22 Town Election chose the incumbents over the challengers in every contested race but one.

            Josh Trombly became a new member of the Rochester School Committee with 667 votes, edging out incumbent Jason Chisholm, who garnered 644 votes. Trombly will be joined on the board by the highest vote getter in this race of four candidates for two seats, incumbent Robin Rounsevillle, who received 736 votes based on official totals posted Tuesday by Town Clerk Margie Barrows on the town’s website.

            Matthew Bache placed fourth with 638 votes. Noteworthy here is that a mere 24 votes separated incumbent Chisholm and challenger Trombly.

            “I have a lot of mixed feelings. I’m excited. I’m overwhelmed. I received a lot of good feedback supporting me. I hope to work together with all the people of the town who are on every side of every issue. I tried to reach out to everybody and want to continue to do just that,” said Trombly. “I don’t think I won on any particular issue. I might be someone with a little different perspective. But we are all looking for the same solutions for our school.”

            By a wider margin, incumbent Matthew Monteiro won a return to his seat on the Old Rochester Regional School Committee over challenger Stacie Noble Shriver. Monteiro garnered 772 votes, and Shriver tallied 641 votes.

            Monteiro said he believes he won re-election because of what he learned from residents and how he was able to educate them in the course of attending the Council on Aging’s Candidates Night and being interviewed in the local press.

            “I was able to hear their questions and clarify things people had concerns about that were blown out of proportion,” Monteiro said. “And now I hope people are more confident in the regional school committee and what we do.”

            Rochester had two other contested races (more names on the ballot than seats open).

            Park Commission incumbent Kenneth Ross (652 votes) won a challenge from Nathaniel Reece (552), and Library Trustee incumbents Shauna Makuch (743) and Kelley Medeiros (668) kept their seats in a challenge from Portia Silk (624).

            Michael Amato (1,130 votes) is a new member of the Board of Health, in an uncontested race to complete the remaining two years after the retirement of member Dale Barrows. Incumbent Sarah Eby, running unopposed to maintain her seat, received 1,091 votes.

            There were no ballot candidates for one open seat on Rochester’s Cemetery Commission, but Melissa Dougall led write-in candidates with 150 votes and has since accepted the role and has been sworn in, according to interim Town Administrator Suzanne Szyndlar. Lorna Walker received 42 votes and Jeffrey Eldridge five.

            Running unopposed for re-election to the Rochester Select Board, Paul Ciaburri received 1,063 votes. Scott Hartley, the son of former Select Board member Woody Hartley, received 70 write-in votes.

            Other incumbents running unopposed and easily keeping their seats included: Jana Cavanaugh (1,069), Board of Assessors, David Hughes (1,124) Water Commission, Jeffrey Eldridge (1,125) Tree Warden and David Arancio (1,111) Town Moderator.

            A ballot question to approve a debt exclusion to fund capital improvements to the Old Rochester Regional School District campus, rendered moot by the ORR School Committee’s recent vote to delay such a plan, predictably failed by a tally of 476 “no” votes and only 297 that said “yes.”

            Among 4,873 registered voters, a total of 1,454 ballots were cast.

Rochester Town Election

By Michael J. DeCicco

Book Donation Days

            Book Donation Days at the Elizabeth Taber Library will be held on June 8 and June 22 from 10 am to 1 pm, 8 Spring St, Marion. “Make way for new books by donating your used ones for others to enjoy,” is the urgent plea from the Friends of the Elizabeth Taber Library, as the group prepares for its next Book Sale.

            Donors are asked to bring their gently used books (no textbooks, please), puzzles, games, record albums & DVDs to the front of the library at 8 Spring St in Marion between 10 am and 1 pm on Saturday, June 8 & Saturday, June 22, where there will be people curbside to receive the items.

            If this date is not convenient, anyone can bring books and other requested items to the library any day that it is open, as book collection is a year-round activity.

            Donations are featured at the Friends of the Elizabeth Taber Library Annual Summer Book Sale which is scheduled for July 26 and 27. All proceeds benefit programming at the library.

Robert Bullard Mitchell

Robert Bullard Mitchell, beloved father, grandfather, brother and cherished member of the community, passed away peacefully on May 25, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. He was 81 years old. Born on February 11, 1943 in Boston, son of Robert Amos Mitchell and Louise Appleton Bullard. Bob attended Fairhaven High School Class of 1961. After High School, Bob attended Lister Petter Factory School in Dursley, England. After College, he returned to his father’s engine shop RA Mitchell Co. eventually taking over the business, and growing it to be one of the most respected engine and generator companies in the Industry. Bob was fiercely protective of the New Bedford Fishing Fleet.

            Bob lived a life marked by kindness, generosity, and devotion to his family. He married Ann Elizabeth (Martin) Mitchell in 1970, with whom he shared a beautiful home in Fairhaven, MA. Together they raised three daughters and had a special bond and unwavering friendship.

            As a father, Bob was a pillar of strength and wisdom to his three daughters, Heather, Jennifer, and Karen. He imparted invaluable lessons of love, resilience, and integrity, shaping their lives with his unwavering guidance and unconditional love. Bob was also a cherished brother to Charles Gile Mitchell of Fairhaven, with whom he shared a bond forged through a lifetime of shared experiences, laughter, and mutual support. Charlie saw Bob as the best brother ever and over time filled roles as a protector, inspiration, a best friend, and an accomplished person greatly to be admired.

            But perhaps one of Bob’s greatest joys in life was found in his role as a grandfather. He was adored by his seven grandchildren, Reilly, Andrew, Alexa, Hayden, Connor, Peter, and Kaylei. He cherished every moment spent with them, creating memories that will be treasured for generations to come.

            Bob was a dedicated partner to his very special friend Jean Carolyn Pegg of Freetown, MA for the last several years.

            Bob was a respected member of the community and would often be seen having breakfast, lunch and dinner at many local restaurants. He was a member of multiple local organizations and clubs that supported the Community.

            He is also survived by Heather’s Husband Ralph Whitehouse of Plymouth, Jennifer’s former Husband Randy DeMello of Mattapoisett and Karen’s Husband Peter Joseph of Fairhaven. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews and treasured cousins.

            Bob would not have had all the success he has had without the amazing, dedicated employees at RA Mitchell Co. He truly thought of all his employees as family. We would also like to thank his very dedicated Care team over the last year that watched over him so lovingly.

            His Visiting Hours will be held on Thursday, May 30, 2024 from 4-8 PM at Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home For Funerals, 50 County Rd. (Rt. 6), Mattapoisett. His Funeral Service will be held on Friday, May 31st at 11 AM in the Unitarian Memorial Church, 102 Green St., Fairhaven. In lieu of flowers donations to the Robert Mitchell Scholarship Fund c/o Fairhaven Rotary Club, P.O. Box 261 Fairhaven, MA 02719. For directions and guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

Heather Corrigan to Perform with the Tri-County Symphonic Band

Marion native Heather Corrigan will be singing with the Tri-County Symphonic at their 21st Annual Pops Concert on Sunday, June 9 at Tabor Academy. Heather is an actress, vocalist and voiceover artist from New York City. Raised in Marion, she has always been drawn to the stage, and after graduating from Tabor Academy went on to attend the School of Theater at the University of Southern California. She has appeared onstage in New York, Los Angeles and across the country. Ms. Corrigan’s theater credits include Kiss Me Kate, You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown (Best Actress Award), Angels in America, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and many, many workshops in NYC. Most recently she played the lead role in “Last Out; Elegy of a Green Beret” and toured the country with the Gary Sinise Foundation and a cast of Veterans. Her film and television appearances include “The Small”, “Ain’t that Life”, “Journey into the Abyss”, and the award-winning film “Stuck”. She is the recipient of Audiofile’s Earphones Award for her contribution to Muriel Barbery’s “Gourmet Rhapsody,” and received a starred review from Publishers Weekly for her narration of the young adult title, “When She Woke.” Other popular books she has recorded for major publishers include: “The Future for Curious People,” “The Appetite of Girls,” “The Art of Secrets,” “The House of Velvet and Glass,” and “Lexicon.”

            Advance tickets for the Tri-County Symphonic Band’s “Broadway Showstoppers” can be purchased at the Marion General Store, the Symphony Music Shop in North Dartmouth and online at tricountysymphonicband.org.