History Made and History Preserved In Wilmington

I had the pleasure of attending a unique dedication ceremony earlier this week at the Butters Farm in Wilmington. The Butters family have lived in town since the 1600's, they were among the first settlers of the town, and William Butters served on the very first Board of Selectmen. 

This ceremony, hosted by new residents Dave and Cory Surgue, commemorated the military history of the Butters family which predates the Revolutionary War. This ancestral home was lived in for more than 3 centuries and then the building was slated to be demolished. 7 years ago I worked to secure a legislative budget appropriation of $450,000 for the Town of Wilmington to purchase the farmhouse and property. Those funds, and others from state and donated sources, allowed for the historic preservation that keeps this property a vibrant place. The Town of Wilmington, MA Town Hall and Sugrues have worked hard to renovate the 'new' home, now known as the Sugrue-Butters Farm. 

The original house built by William Butters, who served on the first board of selectmen in Wilmington in 1730 was once part of the Underground Railroad. The Baldwin Apple, which for decades was the most popular apple in New England, also has its originating roots from this very farm. 

 

 

 

 

Marine Sargent Johanny Rosario Pichardo - A Final Journey Home

This afternoon Johanny Rosario Pichardo of Lawrence was returned to Lawrence in a very moving procession honoring the young Marine Sargent. She was killed on August 26 in Kabul, Afghanistan. She was serving at the Hamid Karzai International Airport to help aid the evacuation of people from the country when a suicide bomber detonated a bomb that killed her, 12 other American service members and more than 150 others. 

There will be a public wake at Veterans Memorial Stadium on Tuesday next to Lawrence High School where she graduated in 2014. 

 

Over the last few days I have participated in several ceremonies and gatherings dedicated to the 20th Anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks. Many people have attended these events; veterans, first responders, state and local officials, family members of victims and survivors of the attacks and others. I’ve talked with many people about their experiences in the immediate aftermath of the attacks, and the years since - some suffered the loss or injury of loved ones, some sought solace by taking actions to support first responders in hometowns across the state, and others gathered resources to lessen the burdens of victims and emergency personnel where the attacks occurred. Each person followed their own path through the pain but, it has became clear to me over the years, and affirmed again today, that these community gatherings have powerful and healing potential. 

Together we will never forget, together we are strong, and together we will renew commitments to honor the memory of those we lost.

 

One Day In History - Millions Of Memories

Nearly 3,000 people were killed in the 9/11 attacks. Citizens of 78 countries died in New York, Washington, and Pennsylvania. Thousands more were injured in the attacks and aftermath. 

By federal law, 9/11 is a National Day of Service & Remembrance intended to provide a permanent, positive and inspiring tribute honoring the victims of the 9/11 tragedy and all those who stood in service in response to the attacks. Shine a light. Do a good deed. 

#NeverForget911 #ShineALight #911day

A View From Wilmington Common and an Invitation to "Wilmington Remembers"

You are encouraged to attend a ceremony Saturday morning at 8:30 AM at Wilmington High School to commemorate the 20th Anniversary of 9/11.

 

Honor. Serve. Unite.

Together with the crew of USS Constitution and Boston National Historical Park, you are invited to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks with a ceremony honoring those who served and those who tragically lost their lives. 

More about the event here:  https://ussconstitutionmuseum.org/events/operation-gratitude-assembly-day

MEMORIAL CEREMONY 9:00 – 9:45 AM at the Charlestown Navy Yard. 

Catch the unforgettable sight of America’s Ship of State in Boston Harbor! USS Constitution is scheduled to get underway honoring the Medal of Honor recipients in Boston for their convention starting at 11:00 AM. The best views will be from the Charlestown Navy Yard, Fort Independence at Castle Island, and the Boston Harborwalk.

THANK A VETERAN 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM at the USS Constitution Museum. All visitors to the USS Constitution Museum on September 11 will have a chance to give back to local veterans. 

USS CONSTITUTION UNDERWAY 11:00 am – 2:00 pm Boston Harbor

The best views will be from the Charlestown Navy Yard, Fort Independence at Castle Island, and the Boston Harborwalk.

CARE PACKAGE ASSEMBLY DAY 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM at the USS Constitution Museum. On this National Day of Service, help say thank you to members of the U.S. military who bravely serve our country every day! Together with Operation Gratitude, 1,000 Recruit Graduate care pouches will be packed for new Sailors and Coast Guardsmen.

"Pint For A Pint Blood Drive" Friday & Saturday September 10-11 from 8:30 AM -3 PM at True North Ale Company in Ipswich

The Scrawney-Morgan Foundation will be at True North Ale Company, 116 County Road in Ipswich, collecting blood. Blood donors donate a pint of blood and receive a pint of beer! Each donation contributes to the great need for blood for cancer patients and beyond. Sponsored by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Brigham and Women's Hospital, and the Robert Kraft Blood Donor Center. 

For more information: Scrawney-Morgan.org/pintforapint You must register in advance to donate Friday.