2nd Edition: Stoughton Veterans Day Wrap-Up

TWO BRAVE RESIDENTS HONORED: (on 11/11/11) was a special day in the Town of Stoughton. Veteran's Agent Mike Pazyra had a great day planned, and it came together perfectly--with even Mother Nature cooperating.

Following the annual Veterans Day Parade Friday morning, two squares were dedicated in memory of two Stoughton veterans Friday afternoon.

The intersection of Taxiera Road and School Street was dedicated to . His widow Marie Jardin, her four children, her nine grandchildren, and her four great grandchildren were there as part of a large crowd. Retired Fire Chiefs Ed Carroll and (Albert's nephew) attended, as did Stoughton's current police and fire chief, and a number of brass from the Stoughton Fire Department.

As always, Pazyra led a ceremony, featuring prayers, proclamations, honor guards, and Taps. Albert's son, Thomas Jardin, gave a moving speech. Spotted among the large gathering was retired town manager and clerk Jeanne Fleming.

Later, the intersection of Park Street and Seaver Street was dedicated to . His widow Grace "Dolly" Dalton, their nine children and 16 grandchildren were in attendance.

Their son, James Francis Dalton, Jr. gave a wonderful speech, which talked about what a humble man his father was. "It's nice that a quiet humble man can be honored like this," he told the crowd. 

I watched the family--swelling with pride, but also still suffering the fresh pain from his recent passing. The same town officials attended both ceremonies. Spotted among the crowd was former Stoughton Police Chief Manny Cachopa.

The Stoughton Memorial Square Dedication Committee, which includes Pazyra and Selectman Cynthia Walsh, certainly did their job well.

***

VETERANS DAY PARADE RUNS SMOOTHLY: Prior to the Memorial Square dedications, residents turned out for the annual .

and 38-year Town Meeting member was honored during a ceremony at Town Hall. He took home enough citations to fill the wall in his room at Copley at Stoughton.

He received honors from the Massachusetts House of Representatives and Senate, Norfolk County District Attorney Michael Morrissey and the Stoughton Board of Selectmen.

Large, for whom the Gazebo at is named, told About Town that he felt very flattered by the honor.

"It's nice when the town fathers come to things like this."

Pazyra read an excerpt of Large's diary from his ship that was attacked by Japan. 

Lage told me, "I still have bad dreams about it sixty years later."

State Reps Lou Kafka and William Galvin were both there. Town Manager Frank Crimmins, and Selectman Cynthia Walsh, John Stagnone, John Anzivino, and John Anderson were present, as was Town Moderator Howard Hansen, Police Chief , and Fire Chief . DPW Superintendent John Batchelder was there--in shorts (I had on my winter coat.) .

Father Alex at Immaculate Conception Church gave the prayer. Large read the list of Stoughton’s soldiers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for their country. Mike Beaudette, Stoughton’s Graves Officer, rang the Liberty Bell at the pronouncement of each name, while former Veteran’s Agent Paul Flynn called out, “Absent, Sir,” to each from the top of the Town Hall steps. 

Participants in the parade include the Police and Fire Departments, the High School Marching Band & Color Guard, the VFW Color Guard and Firing Detail, Town and State Officials, and David Sheehan of the Norfolk County Sheriff's office.

In all, it was a day of pride for our town, and the soldiers from here who have served their nation so bravely, in the past and right now, here and around the world.   

Pazyra told About Town he was pleased with the turnout, the weather, and most importantly that "Charlie Large was able to join us, and be honored for all his service to a grateful nation. It truly was a wonderful day." 

It is a day---and weekend--that Pazyra spends many hours on to make sure things go well. And, to his credit, it went perfectly!

Take a look at Patch's from the Veterans' Day Parade .

***

HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY:  To Myles Duffy, former member of the Board of Directors of the Stoughton Chamber of Commerce, and owner of Camelot Enterprises in Stoughton. He is the son-in-law of former selectman Roy Cohen.

***

HAPPY BIRTHDAY:  To former Randolph neighbor and current Stoughton resident Robin Spellberg.  To Harris Yoffa, former member of Ahavath Torah Congregation in Stoughton, and now a resident of Jerusalem in Israel. To Stacey Barrett Connolly, daughter of retired DPW Superintendent Larry Barrett. And, to former Red Sox ace Curt Schilling, who turns 45 on Monday.