The first weekend in November in Worcester, Massachusetts was set to be a washout. Weather reports predicted rain, wind and possibly the first dusting of the dreaded white stuff that will soon cover central Massachusetts like a blanket for the winter months. As the weekend neared, a handful of folks worked tirelessly to ensure neither rain, sleet nor snow would keep this day, eight months in the making, from being meaningful. Stepping outside, the air was frigid yet still dry. The clouds threatened overhead as the tents were on standby still packed tightly in the trunk. The tents, while offering shelter to guests would be a hindrance to our most revered attendee, our American flag.
The first vehicle arrived about 40 minutes before the intended start time. Immediately noticeable was the first of what would become many Veterans license plates. The worry whether they will come with the looming storm went away. Those to whom this meant the most surely would. The Worcester Marine Corp. League Detachment 144 arrived and I could see them in the distance carefully unfurling their beloved flags and putting the finishing touches on the bright uniforms they would proudly wear to open and close the ceremony.
It was as beautiful as it was humbling to see the colors being posted. Saint Peter Marian Junior-Senior High School senior, Eric Benoit, led the crowd that now filled all the seats, in prayer. Eric then accompanied the Color Guard to raise our American flag. We remembered our World War II soldiers, 240 of which are listed on the Hapgood-Brooks Memorial: 138 Army, 90 Navy, 9 Marines and 3 Coast guard from the surrounding North Worcester neighborhood. All who risked their lives for our freedom, many who gave the ultimate sacrifice.
The Brooks family that unselfishly donated the land for this beautiful memorial was also acknowledged. The parcel where the memorial sits is named after John Hapgood Brooks. The Brooks family home where his grandson R. Emerson Brooks still lives overlooks this spot. We were honored to be joined by several members of the Brooks family at the ceremony. The North Worcester Honor Roll Association led the effort to build this memorial at the corner of Holden Street and Route 122A (Grove Street) which was dedicated on May 27th 1945. It was built with the generous contributions of community members. It has been maintained the same way.
While there have been many contributors over the years that showed their commitment to this memorial, Herbert H. Adams, a proud member of U.S. Army’s 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division, has given over 40 years to ensuring it was kept in pristine condition. Herb turned 91 in October and only slowed down his community service recently. What I have found as someone who has tried unsuccessful to fill his shoes, it typically takes numerous people to make a dent in the daily work Herb was doing in our community.
His motivation? “There has to be a reason that I made it back.” So many of his friends and fellow soldiers did not. Over the years I have sometimes questioned his intentions … not because I don’t agree but I have seen him doing things with little regard for his own health in recent years. I have learned amongst many other things from my friend Herb, never argue with a man wearing a Purple Heart. He has seen so much and his reasons for doing what he does come from so deep within him, another of the many reasons Herb has earned my unwavering respect.
As the inspiration behind the project, Herb has noted for years that there isn’t an information sign at the memorial. “It looks like just a list of names to visitors” he would tell me. I saw a photo of Herb in front of the display case from the 1980’s and there was a tiny plaque above the cabinet. Could it have been the sign? Maybe. But I know something so small would not have done these soldiers or Herb proper justice.
Eric Benoit stepped forward to not only work on developing a plaque but also to offer significant time to document a historical account of how this location came to exist in its present form. In a day when young people don’t always understand the significance of a project like this, Eric showed his interest and dedication from day one. Eric accompanied Herb Adams for the official unveiling. Moments before, I was certain that my fingers would no longer operate to turn the pages of my notes. But suddenly it didn’t matter. So important was this day to Herb Adams, he shed his overcoat and buttoned his uniform while we all waited for him to tend to this momentous task.
Herb, never a guy short on words, proceeded to take the floor. How could I have not planned better to know that my dear friend would not want to grace us with a few words? Had we another day to plan, the microphone and podium would have made their way so we could have all heard Herb’s important words. I was close enough to hear his thankfulness and I don’t think a person there would have questioned the same. He proceeded to request more and more of his fellow soldiers join him at the memorial for photo opportunities that I could have never imagined in my best vision of this day.
The ceremony wrapped up with flowers presented in gratitude to Karen Greenwood, Director of the City of Worcester Veterans Services and words of appreciation from City of Worcester District 1 City Councilor Tony Economou. As the ceremony closed I had the distinct honor to proclaim the following: “Let this memorial continue to stand in dedication to our heroes and let this day serve as a promise that we and future generations will never forget your sacrifices.”
Worcester Marine Corp. League Detachment 144 retired the colors in an amazing tribute.
Thirty minutes later, the clouds gave way. The rain, wind and various other precipitation fell from the sky for at least the next 30 hours. Had the rain started just 30 minutes sooner, the attendees would not have seen the American flag raised, our country’s flag that so many in attendance and in our thoughts on this very morning fought to protect. Priceless.
The history will be filed with the City of Worcester and also soon be available with its supporting data online at a new website created by Sean Lovely. Sean is a Worcester Police Officer and Persian Gulf War Veteran who served in the Army with the 82nd Airborne Division. Sean’s goal is to document all 237 Veterans squares in Worcester
