Lanesborough Marches Without 'Legendary Veteran'
 The Dalton American Legion Rifle Team gave a rifle salute for Memorial Day. |
Harris, who died on April 13, 2012, began the first Lanesborough parade in the 1970s. He joined the Army in 1945 and, despite the war ending shortly after he enlisted, he fought in the Philippines and later in Korea for more than a year.
"He lost so much weight during his tour of combat that when he returned home, his brothers did not even recognize him," Cmdr. George Himmel, American Legion Post 446, said.
After returning from the war, he raised a family with his wife, Carol, worked at General Electric and was involved in just about every veterans organization possible - including organizing the first Memorial Day parade in Lanesborough.
"Paul was a man of inexhaustible energy," Himmel said. "Over the next 60 years, Paul amassed the most impressive record of public service that I have ever personally witnessed."
Harris' list of service includes being the commander of the Lanesborough American Legion post and Veterans of Foreign Wars post, American Legion District 1 Berkshire County commander and president of the national Sergeant-At-Arms Association.
 James Army, former state American Legion Department commander, and George Himmel of American Legion Post 446 spoke highly of Paul Harris. |
"Each town has a legendary veteran. Lanesborough has Paul Harris," Himmel said.
To honor Harris, his children Peter Harris and Gail Harris-Rothwell were parade grand marshals.
The parade marched from the Old Forge Restaurant to the cemetery. At the cemetery, the Dalton Rifle Team performed a rifle salute, the Mount Greylock Regional High School band played taps and the national anthem.
The keynote address was given by Jeffery Welch, the high school's Social Studies Department chairman, who spoke about the history of the holiday.
Tags: Memorial Day, parade,
