Link back to Veterans' Council Meeting Minutes
May 14, 2011
The following represents the meeting of the Veterans Council held May 5, 2011 at the G.A.R. Hall and was called to order at 1940 hours.
Following the Pledge of Allegiance, the meeting was called to order by Keith Jermyn, The Town of Hingham's Veterans Agent, with the following committee members present: H. Messmer, J. McHugh, S. McMillan, L. St. Laurent, A. Smith, E. Sofis The chairman effected excused absences for the following committee members: B. Beal, J. Claypoole, M. Demenna, W. Ramsey. A. McCawley. Absent: J. Chapin.
The first order of business was a presentation by Gary Torndorf-Dick regarding his efforts to the maintain and enhance the Liberty Plain Cemetery for the preservation and perpetuation of Veteran availability and usage. He described certain plot sizes, costs, head stone specifications including casket and cremation criterion. A motion was made and passed to table the issue.
The minutes as sent by email were read from the last meeting and a motion was made to approve, and seconded and the minutes were then accepted.
The Vice Chairman reported that the letter to A. McCawley regarding non attendance was responded to by Andy who wishes to have 30 more days to consider what to do. He has been in the Department of Environmental Police and this has complicated his availability. A motion to vacate the seat passed.
The Treasures report; a motion was made and passed.
The Blue Star report continues successfully: 9 were in the Hingham Journal and there 4 new members.
The BSA Liaison reported that 2 Cub Scouts Troops will be volunteering for Memorial Day.
Memorial Day Celebration: first, as previously reported, this will be an exceptional celebration with virtually a score of citizen's groups represented in a variety of activities and second, General George Casey is our speaker. As Chief of Staff of the US Army, he will be a brilliant addition to this Historic Day. The Veteran's Agent has sent to all members an elaborate and detailed schedule listing all locations of participants and luncheon plans for Veterans and their families. The event begins at 11AM, Monday, May 30th. In case of rain, the ceremonies will take place at the High School.
A discussion followed about the need to review ALL solicitations regarding alleged Veteran support and interests. The soliciting organizations are in many instances taking huge percentages of the donations and in the instance the Veteran's Council Agent discussed even though the solicitation was being done in Hingham NOT a penny was being given to Veterans here.
The Town of Hingham web site now has reference to Veteran's Services.
It was reported that Military Funerals (Bill 3398) could enable those who disturbed such events to be jailed for up to 2 years and fined $1000. 00 if within 1000 feet of the funeral.
One seat is available for a new member.
The Cemetery report has been given: Chapter 115 mandates the placement of flags at graves for Memorial by the 3rd Sunday in May.
The Flags for the Town's Cemeteries are ready for placement with funding as noted at Fort Hill (0), High Street ($850.), Liberty Plain ($1000.), Hingham Center ($300.), St. Paul's ($600.) and Old Ship Church ($850.). There is $4000. In the Budget.
There will be a Veteran's Council meeting at the G.A.R. Memorial Hall on May 19th at 7:30 pm.
The meeting adjourned at 2055 hours.
Respectfully Submitted,
Ernest C. Sofis,
Secretary