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Vietnam Veterans Honored in Pittsfield

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Around 100 people stood at Park Square on Saturday morning to honor the 27 Berkshire County residents who were killed in action in Vietnam.

The annual ceremony recognizes National Vietnam War Veterans Day, which is on March 29, and is sponsored by the James E. Callahan Berkshire Chapter 65 of the Vietnam Veterans of America, American Legion Post 68, and VFW Post 448.

Emcee John Harding, who is a Marine Corps veteran, thanked the attendees for showing up on the frigid day that saw snow flurries.

"We were worried about it anybody would show up but you showed your true colors when you support us Vietnam vets," he said.

Local veterans have been holding the ceremony for close to 50 years. Wreaths were placed on the Vietnam War Veterans memorial coalition members and representatives.

Guests included the Dalton American Legion Riders Post 155, Dalton American Legion Post 155 Honor Guard, VVA Chapter 65, Color Guards from the VVA Chapter 65, Marine Corps League Det. 137, VFW Post 448, A.L. Post 68, Jewish War Veterans Post 140, Italian War Veterans Post 75, and representatives from other organizations.

The national anthem was sung by veteran Mike Bradley, the volley was conducted by the Dalton A.L. Post 155 Honor Guard, taps were played by Vietnam veteran Joseph DiFilippo, and the benediction was provided by the Rev. Michael Denton of South Congregational Church in Pittsfield.

Attendees were invited to light a candle at a memorial shrine in the church after the ceremony.

The 27 Berkshire County residents who were killed in action during the Vietnam War:

* James Henneberry
* George Shufelt
* Francis Bissaillon
* David Borey
* Edward Jarvis
* John Pratt
* Kevin Aldam
* Russell Roulier

Pittsfield Affordable Housing Initiatives Shine Light, Hope

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
07:08AM / Saturday, December 20, 2025

Housing Secretary Edward Augustus cuts the ribbon at The First on Thursday with housing officials and Mayor Peter Marchetti, state Sen. Paul Mark and state Rep. Tricia Farley-Bouvier.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The holidays are here and several community members are celebrating it with the opening of two affordable housing initiatives. 

 

"This is a day to celebrate," Hearthway CEO Eileen Peltier said during the ribbon-cutting on Thursday. 

 

The celebration was for nearly 40 supportive permanent housing units; nine at "The First" located within the Zion Lutheran Church, and 28 on West Housatonic Street. A ceremony was held in the new Housing Resource Center on First Street, which was funded by the American Rescue Plan Act. 

 

The apartments will be leased out by Hearthway, with ServiceNet as a partner. 

 

Prior to the ribbon-cutting, public officials and community resource personnel were able to tour the two new permanent supported housing projects — West Housatonic Apartments and The First Street Apartments and Housing Resource Center. 

 

The First Street location has nine studio apartments that are about 300 square feet and has a large community center. The West Housatonic Street location will have 28 studio units that range between 300 to 350 square feet. All units can be adapted to be ADA accessible. 

 

The West Housatonic location is still under construction with the hope to have it completed by the middle of January, said Chris Wilett, Hearthway development associate.