Although Memorial Day is some time off plans are under way as we support the Stoneham Class of 82 civic committee. This committee has taken on the project of upgrading the Buckley Memorial Park. The plan calls for a new stone, two new benches with plaques, two new trash containers as well as other improvements. One of the benches will be inscribed to LTC Buckley from Chapter 54, SFA and the other from his two sisters, Maureen, Joyce and friend Beverly.

While plans for the dedication are in the primary stages, Chapter 54 is committed to supporting this project. Some of the things that we hope to include in the ceremony will be a bugler for Taps, an honor guard, possibly from C/1/20th SFGA, a chaplain to conduct services, the reading of the roll of our deceased brothers and the placing of a wreath at the new stone. This will be incorporated into the program that the Stoneham Class of 82 will present.

We expect that Town of Stoneham officials as well as town folks will be present. We are co coordinating with the local American Legion Post for their participation and support. We will be inviting our neighboring chapter brothers from NH and RI to attend. We are hopeful that there will be other military representatives present. The plan includes a possible collation in the nearby area after the ceremony.

There is other significance to this ceremony. This will be the 25th anniversary of LTC Buckley’s death as well as his birthday. The committee consists of former chapter Presidents Dick Nazzaro, Bill Fanaras and LTC Buckley’s sister Maureen Moroney. This event will be highlighted in the chapter newsletter prior to the event. The committee will keep the Chapter Officers and the Executive committee updated as further progress is made on this project.