Gold Star Mother
Gold Star Mother is a title Kathleen Belanger says she never wanted, a title given to a woman who has lost her son or daughter in the line of duty, while serving in the U.S. military. Her son, Army Sgt. Greg Belanger, had just turned 24 years old when he was killed in Iraq in August of 2003. Greg was engaged and had plans to finish college when he came home. Carolee McGrath talked with Kathleen Belanger about her son’s sacrifice for freedom and to help us all remember the true meaning of Memorial Day.
Viewpoint with Ron Chimelis: Memorial Day
Masslive and the Republican’s “Viewpoint” columnist Ron Chimelis sits down with Jim Madigan to reflect upon Memorial Day and discuss a variety of recent topics.
Greenfield Community College Vets Careers Program
Our veterans put their lives on the line for our freedom, but the transition from service to civilian life can be difficult, including in the area of employment. Helping returning veterans get back into the workforce is a top priority for veteran’s career and affairs counselor Chris Demars of Greenfield Community College. Carolee McGrath talked with Chris and Ben Hefner, a Marine, about training programs that are leading to good paying jobs in Franklin County.
Bennington Battle Monument
As we honor those who have died while serving in our armed forces this Memorial Day, we bring you a story about the soldiers who served at the birth of our nation – right here in western New England. On August 17, 1777, Brigadier General John Stark and his men defeated General Burgoyne‘s British army in what became known as the Battle of Bennington. While the battle took place in New York State, just over the border in Bennington, VT, a towering monument was erected in 1889 to commemorate this key turning point in the American Revolutionary War.
