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Vietnam Veterans Honored in Pittsfield

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Around 100 people stood at Park Square on Saturday morning to honor the 27 Berkshire County residents who were killed in action in Vietnam.

The annual ceremony recognizes National Vietnam War Veterans Day, which is on March 29, and is sponsored by the James E. Callahan Berkshire Chapter 65 of the Vietnam Veterans of America, American Legion Post 68, and VFW Post 448.

Emcee John Harding, who is a Marine Corps veteran, thanked the attendees for showing up on the frigid day that saw snow flurries.

"We were worried about it anybody would show up but you showed your true colors when you support us Vietnam vets," he said.

Local veterans have been holding the ceremony for close to 50 years. Wreaths were placed on the Vietnam War Veterans memorial coalition members and representatives.

Guests included the Dalton American Legion Riders Post 155, Dalton American Legion Post 155 Honor Guard, VVA Chapter 65, Color Guards from the VVA Chapter 65, Marine Corps League Det. 137, VFW Post 448, A.L. Post 68, Jewish War Veterans Post 140, Italian War Veterans Post 75, and representatives from other organizations.

The national anthem was sung by veteran Mike Bradley, the volley was conducted by the Dalton A.L. Post 155 Honor Guard, taps were played by Vietnam veteran Joseph DiFilippo, and the benediction was provided by the Rev. Michael Denton of South Congregational Church in Pittsfield.

Attendees were invited to light a candle at a memorial shrine in the church after the ceremony.

The 27 Berkshire County residents who were killed in action during the Vietnam War:

* James Henneberry
* George Shufelt
* Francis Bissaillon
* David Borey
* Edward Jarvis
* John Pratt
* Kevin Aldam
* Russell Roulier

Pittsfield City Council Weighs in on 'Crisis' in Public Schools

By Stephen DravisiBerkshires Staff
08:59PM / Monday, December 23, 2024

A half-dozen people addressed the City Council from the floor of Monday's meeting, including Valerie Anderson, right.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — After expressing anger and outrage and making numerous calls for accountability and transparency, the 11 members of the City Council on Monday voted to support the School Committee in seeking an independent investigation into allegations of misconduct by staff members at Pittsfield High School that have come to light in recent weeks.

 

At the close of a month that has seen three PHS administrators put on administrative leave, including one who was arrested on drug trafficking charges, the revelation that the district is facing a civil lawsuit over inappropriate conduct by a former teacher and that a staff member who left earlier in the year is also under investigation at his current workplace, the majority of the council felt compelled to speak up about the situation.

 

"While the City Council does not have jurisdiction over the schools … we have a duty to raise our voices and amplify your concerns and ensure this crisis is met with the urgency it demands," Ward 5 Councilor Patrick Kavey said.

 

About two dozen community members attended the special meeting of the council, which had a single agenda item.

 

Four of the councilors precipitated the meeting with a motion that the council join the School Committee in its search for an investigation and that the council, "be included in the delivery of any disclosures, interim reports or findings submitted to the city."

 

Last week, the School Committee decided to launch that investigation. On Monday, City Council President Peter White said the School Committee has a meeting scheduled for Dec. 30 to authorize its chair to enter negotiations with the Springfield law firm of Bulkley, Richardson and Gelinas to conduct that probe.

 

Ward 7 Councilor Rhonda Serre, the principal author of the motion of support, was one of several members who noted that the investigation process will take time, and she, like Kavey, acknowledged that the council has no power over the public schools beyond its approval of the annual district budget.