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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

Dalton Board Signs Off on Land Sale Over Residents' Objections

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
05:50AM / Tuesday, December 23, 2025

Residents demanded the right to speak but the agenda did not include public comment. Amy Musante holds a sign saying the town now as '$20,000 less for a police station.'

DALTON, Mass. — The Select Board signed the sale on the last of what had been known as the Bardin property Monday even as a handful of residents demanded the right to speak against the action. 

 

The quitclaim deed transfers the nine acres to Thomas and Esther Balardini, who purchased the two other parcels in Dalton. They were the third-highest bidders at $31,500. Despite this, the board awarded them the land in an effort to keep the property intact.

 

"It's going to be an ongoing battle but one I think that has to be fought [because of] the disregard for the taxpayers," said Dicken Crane, the high bidder at $51,510.

 

"If it was personal I would let it go, but this affects everyone and backing down is not in my nature." 

 

Crane had appealed to the board to accept his bid during two previous meetings. He and others opposed to accepting the lower bid say it cost the town $20,000. After the meeting, Crane said he will be filing a lawsuit and has a citizen's petition for the next town meeting with over 100 signatures. 

 

Three members of the board — Chair Robert Bishop Jr., John Boyle, and Marc Strout — attended the 10-minute meeting. Members Anthony Pagliarulo and Daniel Esko previously expressed their disapproval of the sale to the Balardinis. 

 

Pagliarulo voted against the sale but did sign the purchase-and-sale agreement earlier this month. His reasoning was the explanation by the town attorney during an executive session that, unlike procurement, where the board is required to accept the lowest bid for services, it does have some discretion when it comes to accepting bids in this instance.