Meeting Notes: Committee to Study Memorials

The Committee to Study Memorials met on Aug. 13 to discuss replacing the signs at the town's 13 honor squares, and also to discuss arrangements for the dedication of the Robert E. Naughton Civil Square. 

Here are the notes from that meeting.

Civic Square Markers

• There are 13 honor squares in town (with two signs for Robert Sproul). Under the street sign at each square, is a placard that talks about that person's life.
• “We thought it was really important to have the person’s story underneath it,” said committee member Richard DeSorgher.
• The Committee voted to replace the current placards because they are wearing out. They will be replaced by thick aluminum placards measuring 32 inches by 16 inches at a cost of $157.50 each. 

Robert E. Naughton Civic Square

• The intersection of Claypit Road and Causeway Street will be dedicated in memory of Robert Naughton who lived on Claypit before he died in 2002.
• The ceremony will be held on Sept. 29 at 11 a.m. followed by a reception at The Center at Medfield. 
• Speakers will include his son Todd Ferris, as well as Bill Mann, Mike Sullivan, and Tracey Mitchell.
• Naughton Square will be marked with a sign, a placard, and a granite bench with his name engraved in it.  Earlier this year, a $2,000 appropriation toward the dedication. 
• "Two of the trees that are the backdrop to the monument, he actually planted," said Richard DeSorgher who is on the monument committee.

Flag Cases for Veterans

• Committee member Ron Griffin, also the town's Veterans' Agent, reported the cost of the flag cases the committee would like to present to veterans' families (made in the USA) is $70 each, in addition to $25 for each flag. Naughton's family will receive one of these cases and flags.

Roger Hardy Flagpole

• The committee reported that the money raised so far ($520) for the dedication of the is nearly $1,000 short of what is needed. Hardy served in the Merchant Marine and died in May at age 87.  
• Six service flags surround the Baxter Park World War I centerpiece flagpole, representing the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, and the Merchant Marine.  Five of those flagpoles have been named in honor of a Medfield veteran with an honor marker with the veteran’s name and service dates. 
• To make a donation, checks made payable to “Town of Medfield” can be mailed to the Committee to Study Memorials, Attn: Veteran Agent Ron Griffin, Town Hall, Medfield, MA 02052.  Organizers say anyone who contributes will be acknowledged on the program at the time of the dedication.

The next meeting of the Committee to Study Monuments will be on Sept. 10 at 7:30 p.m. at the Medfield Historical Society, 6 Pleasant Street.