CONCORD,
MA. 20
April, 2009. On 19 April, 1775, the opening battle of the American Revolution happened
in
Concord
at the site of "The North Bridge". This was the first
skirmish/battle that led to the creation of our great country. It
was here that the "Shot heard ‘round the world" was fired,
igniting a flame of liberty that still burns brightly in the hearts
of freedom loving people in America and around the world today. It
was here also that the "Minute Men" became the first
"Citizen Soldier" heroes who fought selflessly throughout
the war for independence. On this cool overcast morning at 0800 hrs.
and with the Minuteman Statue as a backdrop, Mr. Gregory Howes, Chairman
of the Concord Board of Selectmen, penned a Statement of Support.
Massachusetts
is the only state in the
United States
that celebrates Patriot's Day. This day kicks off a week of
celebrations that witnesses the running of The Boston Marathon, The
Red Sox beating the Orioles, The "Celtics" over the
"Bulls", The "Bruins" over the "Canadians",
the reenactment of the Battle of Lexington and
Concord, and a plethora of parades and other celebrations. It was
only fitting that the week long festivities be prefaced by
recognizing today's Minutemen and Women. Chairman Howes read a
proclamation at the ceremony declaring April 20, 2009 as "Support
of The Guard and Reserve Day" in
Concord. Mr. Howes presented the honor to MAESGR Chair, Mr. Tom
Boyle as a large group of Concord Residents, the entire Concord
Board of Selectmen, military folks representing every branch of the
uniformed services, national park rangers dressed in colonial garb
and members of the MAESGR Committee looked on.
The Massachusetts Committee for Employer Support of the
Guard and Reserve (MAESGR) is a Department of Defense agency
established in 1972. The mission of ESGR is to gain and maintain
employer support for Guard and Reserve service by recognizing
outstanding support, increasing awareness of the USERRA law of 1994
and resolving conflicts through mediation. The MA Committee has more
than 32 volunteers dedicated to helping every "Citizen Soldier".
On hand representing MAESGR were Volunteer Ombudsman Mr. Leo Lazo,
Field Chair Mr. Tom Boyle, Ombudsman Director
and
Western Area Chair, Mr. Earl Bonett
and Program Support Specialist and Staff Member, Mr. David St. Germain.
Members
of the Guard and Reserve, ESGR and Concord Representatives pose in
front of the Minuteman Statue following the Statement of Support
signing and proclamation by
Chairman Gregory Howes declaring April
20, 2009 as “Support of The Guard and Reserve Day” in
Concord, MA.
Left
to Right: MA ESGR Field Chair Tom Boyle and Chairman Howes displaying
the Statement of Support for the Guard and Reserve.
To
learn more about ESGR visit www.esgr.mil.
