Barrington Memorial Day events to include Blue Star marker dedication

World War II veteran to serve as parade grand marshal

Posted 5/28/16

There will be a parade. There will be Memorial Day services. And there will be a special dedication of a Blue Star Memorial Marker at Police Cove Park.

This year, the Memorial Day events in …

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Barrington Memorial Day events to include Blue Star marker dedication

World War II veteran to serve as parade grand marshal

Posted

There will be a parade. There will be Memorial Day services. And there will be a special dedication of a Blue Star Memorial Marker at Police Cove Park.

This year, the Memorial Day events in Barrington on May 30 will include many of the traditional activities and one new addition. Following the opening services at the high school, the parade across town, and the placing of the wreath at the town's Honor Roll, there will be a special ceremony at Police Cove Park. 

At approximately 11 a.m., officials will hold a dedication ceremony for the Blue Star Memorial Marker at Police Cove Park. The marker serves as a tribute to the Armed Forces that have defended the United States of America.

Members of the Barrington and Hameho Garden Clubs have been busy preparing the site of the marker for the upcoming celebration. Workers from the DPW also assisted with the preparations. 

" Garden Planner Chairman, Marilynn Renner and Sue Spiro from BGC along with Hameho members, Priscilla DiMarco and Nicki Greene took part in the first planting effort," stated a press release. "They will soon be adding patriotic red, white, and blue annuals to complete the garden area."

In addition, a float carrying an exact replica of Rhode Island's Blue Star Memorial Highway Marker will be entered in the parade. Members of both garden clubs will accompany the float. 

Longtime Barrington resident Wilfred "Ed" Charron will serve as the honorary grand marshal of this year's Memorial Day parade in town. Mr. Charron is a highly decorated veteran of World War II, having served five years as a US Army Medic with the 78th Infantry Division. 

"He fought valiantly with the division during the infamous Battle of the Bulge," stated a press release about the parade. "Mr. Charron’s awards include the following military decorations: the Silver Star, the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart and several other campaign medals and service citations."

Massing of Colors ceremonies, including raising of the flag, roll call of deceased veterans, placing of the wreath and playing of Taps will begin at 8:30 a.m. at Victory Field Memorial Gates at Barrington High School. Chaplain (Capt.) John Hatfield, of the 1-103rd Field Artillery Battalion, RIARNG, will lead the group in a prayer. (The event will be moved inside the school in the event of inclement weather.)

The parade will form up at 9 a.m. and will be arranged in four divisions: recognition (officials), military honor, and the last two divisions made up of civic pride groups.

The parade historically draws thousands of spectators along the route that begins at Barrington High School, to Upland Way, Barrington Avenue, and down Maple Avenue and finally ends in front of town hall.

Lt. Col. Todd "TJ" Johnson, USA, USN War College is the keynote speaker this year. 

Lt. Col. TJ Johnson has served in the United States Army for 22 years and currently serves as an instructor in the National Security Affairs Department, US Naval War College in Newport.

Lt. Col. Johnson's prior assignments include being stationed in South Korea, Hawaii, Alaska, Kentucky, Italy, Georgia, and the Pentagon. He has served in various leadership positions to include as a Platoon Leader, Troop Commander, and Battalion Commander. He has also served combat tours in both Iraq and Afghanistan.

His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star (1 OLC), the Distinguished Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal (4 OLC), the Parachutist Badge, the Air Assault Badge, and the Army Staff Identification Badge.

Lt. Col. Johnson earned his master's degree from the School of Advanced Military Studies (Fort Leavenworth, Kan.) in 2007. He also holds two bachelor's degrees (History and Politics & Government) from Ripon College (Ripon, Wisc.) 

He has written for a variety of publications and professional journals including Army Magazine, Defense News, The Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) Journal, and The Journal of the American Revolution.

Lt. Col. Johnson has been married to his wife, Amy, for 19 years and is the proud father of Emma, 10, and Audrey, 7.

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