Weekend of August 32 - 25, 2002
Amid hugs, handshakes and mixed emotions, old friends said hello. They were happy to see each other once again, saddened at the dwindling numbers that attend each year.
Under graying skies and the threat of rain, a military memorial service was held in the chapel at the Vermont Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Randolph, Vermont on Saturday, August 24th. National Commander James T. Harty, Jr. presided over the ceremony stating, "although the faces are disappearing, it is not sad that we remember them. We bring them back with our memories."
Chaplain Richard Dumont of the 43d Vets Association then lead the prayers, which were followed by the Pledge Of Allegiance and then the National Anthem. Secretary and Treasurer Howard Brown then commenced with "Roll Call," the reading of names of the 43d Division's vets that had passed within the last year. After each of the 103 names were read by Mr. Brown, a small ships bell rung out through the small, glass sided chapel overlooking the cemetery. Mr. Reginald Ashe had the honor of bell duty.
After a recording of Taps was played, Chaplain Dumont ended the service with the Benediction. The group of over 70 vets and family members proceeded down to the first section of the cemetery by the main gate.
Randolph, Vermont
Of the 17 markers slated for the cemetery, the 43d's is the first one to be erected. Commander Harty dedicated the granite marker "to the 43d's fallen comrades," and relating to the status of the marker stated "the 43d is again, once more the first."
The event concluded Saturday night with a banquet dinner followed by music from a local 14-piece orchestra band called the Moon Lighters. General Leonard Wing, Jr, son of the 43d's Commander, attended the Banquet with his wife Mary. After a short but heartfelt speech from General Wing, he was presented with several gifts, including a Proclamation from the city of Rutland, Vermont. The mayor of Rutland, John P. Cassarino attended the Banquet and presented the General with the framed Proclamation..
