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Veterans Service Officer James Clark delivered the remarks at the ceremony.
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The even was emceed by Fran Tremblay.
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Tony Pastore.
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More than a dozen veterans and citizens attended the ceremony.
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John Harding reads the speech President Roosevelt delivered to Congress the day after the attacks.
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Veteran Service Officer James Clark.
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The event was at the war memorial on South Street.
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A valley was shot off at the conclusion of the ceremony.
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Rabbi Josh Breindel.

Pittsfield Observes Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day

By Andy McKeeveriBerkshires Staff
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World War 2 Veteran Tony Pastore sang the National Anthem. 
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — It was on this day 75 years ago when Roman Sadlowski and Edward Burns, both hailing from Pittsfield, were killed during the attacks on Pearl Harbor.
 
That morning, Dec. 7, 1941, Japanese planes attacked the U.S. naval base in Hawaii, killing thousands and sinking or damaging the Pacific Fleet's eight battleships.
 
The attack brought the United States into World War 2, as millions of citizens, dubbed the Greatest Generation, took up arms to defend the country.
 
"The attack claimed the lives of more than 2,400 Americans including two of Pittsfield's own. It nearly destroyed our Pacific Fleet but it could not shake our resolve," Veteran Service Officer James Clark said. "While battleships smoldered in the harbor, patriots from across our country enlisted in the armed forces, volunteering to take up the fight for freedom and for security."
 
Wednesday morning, the Veterans Coalition gathered at the war memorial on South Street to pay respects to those who fought in World War 2 and at Pearl Harbor. Some 44 men from Pittsfield and Dalton served at Pearl Harbor or at the nearby airfield and more joined the war after the attacks.
 
"We salute those who responded with strength and courage and service of our nation and we renew our dedication to the ideals in which they so valiantly fought. The men and women of the greatest generation went to war and braved hardships to make the world safer, freer, and more just," Clark said. 
 
The annual ceremony, with temperatures hovering in the low 30s and a slight dusting of snow on the ground, recognizes the sacrifice of World War 2 veterans. This year's event kicked off with the Rev. J.C. Williams giving the invocation followed by Clark's remarks. 
 
Veteran John Harding then read one of the country's most memorable speeches, the one President Franklin Roosevelt delivered to Congress the day after the attacks, declaring war.
 
Following that, veteran Larry Caprari read the names of local veterans who served at Pearl Harbor. A volley was shot off and taps was played before Rabbi Josh Breindel delivered the benediction.

Tags: ceremony,   history,   veterans,   world war,   

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MassDOT Project Will Affect Traffic Near BMC

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Prepare for traffic impacts around Berkshire Medical Center through May for a state Department of Transportation project to improve situations and intersections on North Street and First Street.

Because of this, traffic will be reduced to one lane of travel on First Street (U.S. Route 7) and North Street between Burbank Street and Abbott Street from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday through at least May 6.

BMC and Medical Arts Complex parking areas remain open and detours may be in place at certain times. The city will provide additional updates on changes to traffic patterns in the area as construction progresses.

The project has been a few years in the making, with a public hearing dating back to 2021. It aims to increase safety for all modes of transportation and improve intersection operation.

It consists of intersection widening and signalization improvements at First and Tyler streets, the conversion of North Street between Tyler and Stoddard Avenue to serve one-way southbound traffic only, intersection improvements at Charles Street and North Street, intersection improvements at Springside Avenue and North Street, and the construction of a roundabout at the intersection of First Street, North Street, Stoddard Avenue, and the Berkshire Medical Center entrance.

Work also includes the construction of 5-foot bike lanes and 5-foot sidewalks with ADA-compliant curb ramps.  

Last year, the City Council approved multiple orders for the state project: five orders of takings for intersection and signal improvements at First Street and North Street. 

The total amount identified for permanent and temporary takings is $397,200, with $200,000 allocated by the council and the additional monies coming from carryover Chapter 90 funding. The state Transportation Improvement Plan is paying for the project and the city is responsible for 20 percent of the design cost and rights-of-way takings.

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