Around Town

Watertown Hosting Pearl Harbor Ceremony in Watertown Square

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Members of Watertown’s veterans organizations talk before the Pearl Harbor Commemoration at the Watertown Dock in Watertown Square in 2017. The Watertown Veterans Service Office sent out the following information:

On Friday, Dec. 6, 2019 from 12:00-12:30 p.m., we will honor those who lost their lives during the Pearl Harbor attacks on Dec. 7, 1941. Please join us as we lay a ceremonial wreath and hold a brief ceremony honoring our fallen service members.

Around Town

Group Raising Money to Provide Dogs to Veterans with PTSD

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The Order of AHEPA, Local Chapter #406 will be hosting a dinner dance fundraiser for the Service Dogs for Warriors program at Watertown’s Hellenic Cultural Center. The money will be donated to AHEPA’s program to train PTSD dogs to help veterans. “A specially trained PTSD dog can provide a sense of security, calming effects, and physical exercise that can make a positive difference in the life of those that suffer with post-traumatic stress disorder,” the event announcement said. The event will be held on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019 at the Taxarchae/Archangels Hellenic Cultural Center, 25 Bigelow Ave., Watertown.

Around Town

Watertown to Hold Concert, Breakfast to Mark Veterans Day

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The Town of Watertown has two events planned to recognize Veterans Day 2019, including a concert featuring big band music and a breakfast and ceremony. On Thursday, Nov. 7, 2019 from 6-8:30 p.m., The World Famous Hal McIntyre Orchestra, directed by Don Pentleton and featuring Sinatra vocalist, Steve Marvin will perform at the Watertown Free Public Library. The concert will be held in the Watertown Savings Bank Meeting Room. It is open to all veterans and the public.

Government

Town to Pay Property Taxes of Parents of Those who Died Serving in the Military

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The Town of Watertown will pay the property taxes for parents or guardians of servicemen and women who died serving in the military, and also increased the amount of property taxes veterans can work off through a Town program. Tuesday night, the Town Council unanimously approved the two programs, which are part of the BRAVE Act which are optional for cities and towns to adopt. The act aims at improving services to veterans and was passed by the State Legislature and signed by Gov. Charlie Baker in 2018. Town Councilor Ken Woodland said the passage of the provisions was another example of how Watertown supports veterans. “I am very proud of this Council and this community,” Woodland said.

Around Town

UPS Foundation Helping Group That Sends Care Packages to Troops

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The UPS Foundation recently presented a donation to Operation American Soldier, which packs and sends care packages to American servicemen and women. The group’s base is at the Marine Corps League Shutt Detachment. The following announcement was provided by the UPS Foundation:

Operation American Soldier received a $10,000 grant from The UPS Foundation, which drives global corporate citizenship and philanthropic programs for UPS (NYSE:UPS). The grant will be used towards building repairs for our facility. We will especially be focused on repairing our front walkway and steps.

Air Force

Watertown High Grad Enlisting in U.S. Air Force

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Watertown’s Brett Sutherland, center, poses with his parents Linda and Wayne after he was sworn in as a member of the U.S. Air Force. Watertown High School graduate Brett Sutherland is not the only member of the Class of 2019 to go join the military after graduation. A number are going into the Marines, including his cousin Max Bunnell, but Sutherland decided to go another direction and join the United States Air Force. As he was nearing the end of high school, Sutherland said that he did not really think about applying to college. “I never felt like school was for me,” he said.

Around Town

Watertown Honors Fallen Marine by Dedicating Square Near his Childhood Home

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The sign proclaiming the intersection of Emerson Road and Main Street a memorial to Pvt. Paul Gorman, who was killed in Vietnam 1968, was unveiled Friday by Veterans Services Officer Patrick George. Gorman’s sister and brother, Bonnie and Bob, had a front row seat. Around 100 people gathered on a quiet side street off Main Street Friday afternoon to pay respects to one of Watertown’s own who was killed while serving with the Marines in Vietnam in 1968. The Town of Watertown officially dedicated the corner of Emerson Road and Main Street as Private Paul James Gorman Memorial Square on Friday morning.

Around Town

Ceremony Planned to Dedicate Square to Watertown Marine Killed in Vietnam

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Paul Gorman, a Watertown Marine killed in Vietnam, will have a memorial in his name on Main Street at Emerson Road. Watertown will honor a Marine who died in Vietnam by dedicating an a square in his name in July. The Town of Watertown will formally recognize the intersection of Emerson Road and Main Street as “Private First Class Paul James Gorman Memorial Square” on July 12, 2019 at 11 a.m., said Watertown Veterans Service Officer Patrick George. Residents are invited to join us in appreciation for PFC Gorman’s service to his country; as well as show support to his family members that will be in attendance. Gorman began his tour on May 4, 1968.