DCR Commissioner Leo Roy accepts the national designation from John Monahan and Jennifer Pritzker from the World War I Centennial Commission.
ADAMS, Mass. — In the 100 years since World War 1 came to an end, state officials and veterans groups have rededicated the War Memorial Tower several times.
On Thursday, groups christened the tower again as honoring soldiers from not just World War I but from all wars.
"Over the years, we have fought many more wars and the meaning of this memorial had grown to include all of the sons and daughters of Massachusetts that have served. Mount Greylock serves as a lasting symbol of sacrifice and Herculean effort," said Jennifer N. Pritzker, a founder of the centennial commission.
The 93-foot tower sits at the state's highest peak. In 1933, some 1,500 people trekked up Mount Greylock and thousands of others listened on national radio broadcasts as it was dedicated to those who died in World War I.
Last year, it was reopened after a $2.6 million restoration. The work included new ventilation systems, resealing of joints, installation of a new dehumidification system, improved access, new lights in the beacon, and a full repair of the interior finishes.
"Your tax dollars went into the aspect of restoration so that that memorial has a place of sense and honor that it depends upon to remember," state Secretary Veterans Services Francisco Urena.
Now it is one of 100 World War I monuments across the county to be nationally recognized. The recognition also comes with matching grants to help maintain the tower. Nearly 200,000 Massachusetts residents served in the war and 5,775 were direct casualties. Nov. 11, 2018, will mark the 100th anniversary of the war's end
Centennial Commissioner John D. Monahan said those 100 places include Soldier Field in Chicago and the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The rededication helps to sustain the monument to be a continual reminder of those who died.
"The fallen live in our minds and in our hearts," Monahan said.
As part of the ceremony, a plaque was presented and Alex Gilman of the state Department of Conservation and Recreation read the poem "In Flander's Fields."
State Sen. Adam Hinds said what is particularly important about monuments is that war has impacted every generation. He said his grandfather served in World War II, his father in Vietnam, and himself in a citizen's (diplomatic) role in Iraq.
"We've dedicated the highest point in Massachusetts for this reason," Hinds said.
Adams Selectman James Bush referred to the tower as the town's "most treasured landmark," and how the tower's image is used in multiple ways and residents always know they are home when they see it.
The tower sits at an elevation of 3,491 feet in the middle of a vast wilderness. In 1898, the state of Massachusetts created the Greylock Reservation Commission as the first state wilderness park.
"There are few places better than this that offer such incredible views on a clear day of the natural world around us. This place belongs to the people of Massachusetts," Conservation and Recreation Commissioner Leo Roy said.
Roy said Mount Greylock is an attraction for tourist and provides an array of outdoor recreation options. State Rep. John Barrett III said the mountain and the tower are "so important to the Northern Berkshire area in so many ways." And he remembers the tower beacon going off and questions about its condition. He praised the renovation and said it reflects the county's strong conviction to honor veterans.
"We honor our veterans and we hold them in very high esteem," Barrett said.
Urena said while it is important to remember the past, it is equally important to honor those presently serving.
"It is important to remember that we still have two wars, two fronts, and men and woman from Massachusetts and across the nation who are serving in combat, in harm's way," he said.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.
Your Comments
iBerkshires.com welcomes critical, respectful dialogue. Name-calling, personal attacks, libel, slander or foul language is not allowed. All comments are reviewed before posting and will be deleted or edited as necessary.
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Ordinances and Rules subcommittee on Monday unanimously supported a pay raise for election workers, free downtown parking for veterans, and safeguards to better protect wetlands.
Workers will have a $5 bump in hourly pay for municipal, state and federal elections, rising from $10 an hour to $15 for inspectors, $11 to $16 for clerks, and $12 to $17 for wardens.
"This has not been increased in well over a decade," City Clerk Michele Benjamin told the subcommittee, saying the rate has been the same throughout the past 14 years she has been in the office.
She originally proposed raises to $13, $14 and $15 per hour, respectively, but after researching other communities, landed on the numbers that she believes the workers "wholeheartedly deserve."
Councilor at Large Kathy Amuso agreed.
"I see over decades some of the same people and obviously they're not doing it for the money," she said. "So I appreciate you looking at this and saying this is important even though I still think it's a low wage but at least it's making some adjustments."
The city has 14 wardens, 14 clerks, and 56 inspectors. This will add about $3,500 to the departmental budget for the local election and about $5,900 for state elections because they start an hour earlier and sometimes take more time because of absentee ballots.
Workers are estimated to work 13 hours for local elections and 14 hours for state and federal elections.
The Ordinances and Rules subcommittee on Monday unanimously supported a pay raise for election workers, free downtown parking for veterans, and safeguards to better protect wetlands.
click for more
A parking study of North Street will be presented at Tuesday's City Council meeting. The design maintains parallel parking while expanding pedestrian zones and adding protected bike lanes. click for more
Amy Schirmer was recognized as the Volunteer of the Year for creating a weekly therapeutic art class at the George B. Crane Center to help those in recovery from substance use. click for more