PEPPERELL — On April 19, a Pepperell Army covenant was signed in honor of our military men, women and families.
The purpose was to show support for the town’s service members and to recognize their commitment. Today, the community continues to show support with a sign of appreciation and remembrance that will soon be placed right in the middle of town.
At Monday’s selectmen meeting, the board approved a sign’s location, as delegated through the town administrator, for honoring those and identifying those from Pepperell that are currently serving overseas. The sign will be placed for all to see in the town park, right across the street from the rotary.
“We’ve thought about this for a while,” said Covenant Committee Chair Steven Themelis. “We thought it would be a good way to start serving our community and helping our servicemen and women be honored in a great location.”
The sign is being paid for courtesy of Masy Systems, located in Lomar Park, off Nashua Road. The back of the sign will list all of the sponsors. It also leaves room for any that may decide to get involved in the future.
Committee member Tony Saboliauskas and town resident Carol Gates were also in attendance that night. Over the last couple of years, they have been putting together a list of all the servicemen and women from Pepperell. Surprisingly, there are more than 40.
“I was astonished to hear about that number. So obviously they will be placed on the sign to start with,” said Themelis.
The names of those who are currently serving will be listed on the front of the sign. The covenant would also like to incorporate two granite benches located on either side of the sign. One bench is being donated by the Pepperell/Groton Rotary Club and the other by the Pepperell Lions Club.
“I would like to thank you and the whole committee,” said Chairman Patrick McNabb. “I think this is a great idea and I’m all for it.”
Board member Joseph Sergi also expressed his appreciation and thanked the committee for its commitment.
“I served overseas and, you know, the home front is always on your mind. So I think it’s very important.”
There will be ceremony once the sign is in place. It will be announced at a later date.
