Veteran's Square monument unveiling

The newly formed Global War Veterans made a stunning debut today with a major assist from the city of Lowell at the dedication of Veteran’s Square at Lowell’s Westlawn Cemetery. A crowd well in excess of one hundred enjoyed the brilliant midday sunshine while listening to remarks from Mayor Jim Milinazzo, Assistant to the City Manager Henri Marchand, City Councilor Rita Mercier (Bud Caulfield sang the National Anthem), State Senator Steve Panagiotakos, State Representative Dave Nangle, and Global War Veterans commander Jeff Hall.

Veterans Memorial Park is dedicated to all veterans of all services and all eras but what makes this place unique is the presence of a granite “burn pit” that will be used to respectfully dispose of US flags that have become unserviceable due to normal wear and tear. Many people and entities own flags which, when flown in all weather conditions, do grow faded and torn. Most owners are unaware of the proper procedure for “retiring” such colors. Now folks can deposit their unserviceable flags at this facility year-round and the flags will be disposed of properly periodically through the year.

The Global War Veterans is the newest addition to the Greater Lowell Veterans Council. Membership in Global War Vets is available to anyone who has served in the military since the end of the Vietnam War. The group only recently came together and did a masterful job in assisting with today’s ceremony.