BG Albert A. Mangone of the Mass. Army
National Guard and Joanne Patton are pictured above, pointing to the
brick that was placed in the "Walkway of of Heroes" to honor Mrs.
Patton's father-in-law, General George Patton of Hamilton,
Massachusetts. The walkway lists names of individuals or
organizations who served our nation from each of the 34 towns in
Essex County. Bonnie Hurd Smith worked with each town's historical
society and veteran's agent or council to identify these honorees.
Also listed: the officers of the East Regiment that first mustered in
Salem in 1637 and which is considered the founding unit of today's
National Guard; the men from Essex County who were killed answering
the Lexington Alarm in 1775; every Medal of Honor recipient from
Essex County; every citizen soldier unit founded in Essex County.
Events
included:
• Speeches by dignitaries from the Mass. Army National Guard,
the Peabody Essex Museum, descendants of three walkway honorees, and
Bonnie Hurd Smith, the project manager
• Wreath laying to honor the deceased, lowering of flags, rifle
salute, and taps
• Announcement of a newly-created fund to support an annual
National
Guard Heritage Muster and check
presentation
• Ribbon cutting ceremony
• Audience tour of the Walkway
• Reception at the Salem Maritime National Historic Site Visitor
Center
Tasks:
• helped make logistical arrangements, working closely with the
National Guard, Peabody Essex Museum, National Park Service, and City
of Salem
• arranged for civilian speakers and media coverage
• designed the invitation flier and program
• managed administrative details
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