Town pays tribute to American Legion Post #24

Veterans Agent Tony Andreotti and Jennifer Trethewey with the Legion Riders (Mary Ann Price)

Canton Veterans Agent Tony Andreotti recalls the Memorial Day parades of years past as events that played a big role in his childhood. The parades, to this day, are sponsored by the Edward J. Beatty American Legion Post #24.

“Year after year, they provided a great service to the town,” Andreotti said of the American Legion, which is the country’s biggest service organization for war veterans.

A monument to honor the Legion, as it is known locally, was dedicated last Sunday afternoon at the Walk of Honor at Canton Corner Cemetery. The monument serves as both a remembrance of the sacrifices made by Canton residents in defense of the United States and a sign of gratitude to veterans.

State Representative William Galvin spoke of Beatty, Post 24’s namesake, who was killed in action on April 20, 1918. Beatty was a member of the U.S. 26th Division, also known as the Yankee Division, which was sent to France where it was taken by surprise by German forces. Although the Americans did not lose any ground, there was fatalities, including Beatty. His body was not returned to Canton until 1921.

“Monuments are important,” Galvin said. “They help us keep our promise that we will never forget the sacrifices.”

Following his return, Beatty was waked in Memorial Hall for 24 hours, the first and only Canton resident to receive that honor, said Joe DeFelice, who spoke about the history of the Legion at the ceremony.

The U.S. Congress established the American Legion in 1919 and Post 24 was created that year and named after Beatty. The first meeting of the organization was held on Beatty Street. The meetings were then moved to the Brooks Building at the corner of Bolivar and Washington streets and were held there until 1942, when the building was destroyed in a fire. Five years later, the Legion moved to its present location at 950R Washington Street, behind Canton High School. “This monument will remind us about the past and what will come in the future,” DeFelice said.

Post 24 Commander John Carrington read the inscription on the monument: “This hallowed park is dedicated to the men and women of our Canton community who served in all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, regardless of where their final resting place may be. May this place serve to honor the sacrifices made by our veterans and their loved ones, and to call them to our memory long after they have left us.”

Carrington then asked Sergeant-at-Arms Daniel Teague to plant flags in front of the monument.

Bob Fowkes, district director of Congressman’s Stephen Lynch’s office, presented a flag that had flown over the U.S. Capitol in honor of Andreotti’s years of service to the U.S. Army and as a veterans agent. “There is none better than Tony,” Fowkes said.

John Connolly, chairman of the Board of Selectmen, recalled fond childhood memories of doing errands on Saturdays with his father, a World War II veteran, and then heading for the Legion, where his father reminisced with others, shared stories, and took part in events. Connolly read a long list of the many friends he made by visiting the Legion. “We salute you and thank you,” he said. He also presented a proclamation from the selectmen to Carrington.

State Senator Walter Timilty said that duty, honor, service and sacrifice are more than words on a page. “They deserve our gratitude,” he said of veterans and members of the military. “We renew our commitment to always remember.”

Post 24 chaplain Dick Flanagan introduced Canton’s oldest veteran, Anthony ‘Tony’ Pavidis, who will turn 99 later this year, before giving a blessing.

“We installed (the monument) in the fall, but with the weather, we waited until spring to dedicate it.” said Jennifer Trethewey, office administrator in the Canton Department of Veterans Services. “It was important to Tony to do something to honor the Legion for their many years of service.”

Andreotti said that he does not know of another veterans agent who has the kind of support that he does from the Legion and its components, including the Legion members, the Ladies Auxiliary, and the Legion Riders. “I may get the accolades, but the support comes from the community,” he said. “I appreciate it so much.”

The American Legion band featuring Lisa Sawtelle provided music for the ceremony. The Legion Riders provided refreshments at the post afterwards.

See this week’s Canton Citizen for more monument ceremony photos. Not a subscriber? Click here to order your subscription today (also available in digital form).

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Posted by Mary Ann Price on Apr 27 2018. Filed under News, Town Government. Both comments and pings are currently closed.