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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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Pittsfield ZBA Member Recognized for 40 Years of Service

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

Albert Ingegni III tells the council about how his father-in-law, former Mayor Remo Del Gallo who died at age 94 in 2020, enjoyed his many years serving the city and told Ingegni to do the same. 

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — It's not every day that a citizen is recognized for decades of service to a local board — except for Tuesday.

Albert Ingegni III was applauded for four decades of service on the Zoning Board of Appeals during City Council. Mayor Peter Marchetti presented him with a certificate of thanks for his commitment to the community.

"It's not every day that you get to stand before the City Council in honor of a Pittsfield citizen who has dedicated 40 years of his life serving on a board or commission," he said.

"As we say that, I know that there are many people that want to serve on boards and commissions and this office will take any resume that there is and evaluate each person but tonight, we're here to honor Albert Ingegni."

The honoree is currently chair of the ZBA, which handles applicants who are appealing a decision or asking for a variance.

Ingegni said he was thinking on the ride over about his late father-in-law, former Mayor Remo Del Gallo, who told him to "enjoy every moment of it because it goes really quickly."

"He was right," he said. "Thank you all."

The council accepted $18,000 from the state Department of Conservation and Recreation and a  $310,060 from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Safe Streets and Roads for All program.

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