“Patriotism… is not short, frenzied outbursts of emotion, but the tranquil and steady dedication of a lifetime.” ~ Adlai Stevenson

Was honored to speak today at the dedication of the Marshfield Town Hall Flag Pole to the Carten Family, to speak at the Marshfield Veteran’s Day Festivities at Veteran’s Memorial Park, and to meet with members of Scituate’s American Legion.

Began my comments at Marshfield’s Veteran’s Memorial Park in memory of my buddy, Lt. Colonel Christopher Round, who served our country proudly in the Air Force and whose life ended far too soon.  Chris was our Valedictorian in High School, a brilliant guy, and a friend whom you could call and depend upon at all hours.  I am proud to have had the friendship of Chris for most of my years, think of him often, and miss him greatly.  God Bless you, Chris! 

With regard to Adlai Stevenson’s definition of patriotism above, John and Pat Carten tended to the Stars and Stripes at Marshfield Town Hall each day for thirty nine years!  In fact, their day’s activities would be scheduled around their assumed volunteer roles of raising and lowering the flag every day.  I remember one afternoon being at Marshfield Town Hall in the midst of an incredible rain storm, and, looking out the window, of seeing the Cartens struggling to lower the flag.  When Richard Montuori and I rushed out to help I asked John why he would not wait for better weather, to which he replied “what we are dealing with now pales in comparison to what our veterans have endured …”  

We were all fortunate to have learned from and benefitted from the dedication of this wonderful couple.