By Elizabeth Hacala
The Bedford Minuteman Company gathered at Old Town Hall Saturday on October 11 to celebrate its 50th anniversary. Past and current members of the Company were invited to gather for dinner, remembrances, and socializing. Among the dignitaries were Representative Ken Gordon, Board of Selectman Chair Margot Fleischman, Selectman William Moonan, and Selectman Michael Rosenberg.
Captain Roy Kring kicked-off the evening’s activities, sharing with the assembly that his connection to Bedford began in 1639 when a relative, Thomas Dudley, paddled up the Concord River to claim a land grant at Two Brother’s Rock. It was hundreds of years later that his family returned to Bedford and Kring became involved with the Bedford Minuteman Company.
Past-Captain Rick Manley read an invocation written by Company Chaplain John Gibbons which read in part, “Whatever the accretions of time, nationhood and global complexity, we remember the Bedford Minutemen of all ages, their ideals and their sacrifices. And despite every complication of history, we pledge ourselves anew to forever remember our innocent and innovative sacred legacy. Tonight we gather to remember, to honor, to give thanks…and to celebrate!”
Past-Captain Chuck Hacala read an In Memorium list of the Bedford Minuteman Company members the company had lost, and several past members sent messages of congratulations and celebration which were read to the packed room. Click to read more about the Company’s history
Bedford Minuteman Company member John Filios was treated to a rousing round of Happy Birthday with fife accompaniment, celebrating Filios’s 98th birthday which was the following day.
On behalf of the Board of Selectman and Town of Bedford, Selectman Fleischman accepted a framed replica of the Bedford Flag presented by the Bedford Minuteman Company and donated to the Company by Carol Amick and William Moonan.
Captain Kring closed the evening’s events with an acknowledgement of the celebration committee lead by Jeannette Pothier and thanks to all who participated in the evening’s celebration.
Click to view or download The Bedford Citizen’s party photographs
About the Bedford Minuteman Company
The Bedford Minuteman company is a local membership organization dedicated to keeping the town’s colonial history alive as well as promoting and honoring the Bedford Flag. The Bedford Minuteman Company membership is open to people 18 years or older who are interested in colonial history. The Company hosts the annual Pole Capping at Wilson Park each April and participates in parades and events throughout the area. (https://bedfordminutemancompany.org)
The Bedford Minuteman Company Scholarship fund provides scholarships to graduating Bedford seniors each year. The scholarship is funded primary through the sale of luminary kits at Chip-In farm and from committee members each fall.
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