World War II veteran Calvin Hopkinson taking a lonely walk through the Veterans section of Beechwood Grove cemetery after the

Ceremonies honor our nations finest

By Jon Alden

Community Events of Westport

November 11, 2007

World War II Navy veteran Calvin Hopkinson (left) took a lonely walk through the Beech Grove Cemetery after Sunday morning’s Veterans Day ceremony. Over 1500 veterans across the nation are lost to us each year, according to the Westport Veteran’s Officer Ron Costa.

Veterans Day commemorations were held throughout our community this past week to honor our nations finest and bravest. Beech Grove Cemetery in Westport was the site of a special service conducted to honor Westport veterans. Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 207 invited American Legion Post 145 to attend, along with the Veterans of Foreign Wars. A short service was held at 8:30 a.m. near the flag in the veterans’ section of Beech Grove. Three volleys by three veterans were fired followed by Taps. Westport Selectmen Steven J. Ouellette was in attendance as was Westport’s Veteran’s Officer Ron Costa, who conducted the service. The veterans then observed a moment of silence. Following the service those in attendance paid a special tribute to Navy Chief Baker, who died within the last year and was buried in another section of the cemetery.

Americans still give thanks for peace on Veterans Day. In Westport, there were ceremonies, speeches, and memorial breakfasts, a remembrance for those who fought to preserve our American way of life and liberty. We should consider it a privilege to be able to site the Pledge of Allegiance as hundreds of students did on Thursday morning in Little Compton at a special gathering to thank their war heroes. Three generations of soldiers (left) got a heart-felt salute and thank you from students of all ages at the Wilbur McMahon School on Thursday, November 8 at 10:30 a.m. in the school gymnasium. This “special thank you” assembly included songs and poems from the elementary school grades as well as selections from both the Wilbur McMahon School and the Portsmouth High School marching bands. Quite a stirring moment in the confines of the school’s gymnasium: Marching bands, singing students, American flags, hand-crafted banners, and plenty of patriotism! The invited public and parents filled the sports hall to capacity.

One day later on Friday, the Westport Council on Aging held a Veteran’s SOS breakfast at the Senior Center. Westport’s State Representative Michael J. Rodrigues was in attendance as was Westport’s Veteran’s Officer Ron Costa, who presided at the breakfast. The Veterans Day breakfast highlighted a week-long Holiday Fair sponsored by the Friends of the Westport COA where knitted goods, quilted items, specialty table, and holiday baskets were on sale. A special Bake Sale was on Wednesday. (Far left) Thelma Sullivan, Treasurer of the Friends of COA, stands beside a table chock full of holiday gift items.

(Above right) State Representative Michael J. Rodrigues talking with Marie Rita Medeiros and Leo Cadoret, a World War II Navy veteran who served in the Pacific from 1942-45, and participated in the invasion of Japan.

No matter what your views on war, or your political leanings, it is an honor for all of us to take a moment and remember the soldiers who served and fought to protect our country, our freedom, and way of life. Observing Veterans Day is a privilege all Americans enjoy because of their duty and sacrifice. Many didn’t return home. Celebrate those who did and remember and honor those who didn’t. Observe Veterans Day.

Mary and Ernest Gagnon (left) of Little Compton participate in a very “special thank you” assembly at the Wilbur McMahon School on Thursday, November 8. Mary has been President of the Ladies Auxiliary for “most of my life,” she said. “I’ve been a life-long resident of Little Compton, and graduated from the Wilbur McMahon School,” she said. Ernest served in the Coast Guard during World War II, and was stationed in the Pacific for 18 months.

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