New memorials honor Dartmouth’s fallen soldiers

May 7, 2021

Dartmouth’s fallen soldiers will now be permanently memorialized across town.

This year the Veterans Advisory Board launched “Operation Thank You,” which places a folded American flag and a plaque commemorating fallen Dartmouth soldiers in several town-owned buildings.

Each plaque lists the names of 34 Dartmouth soldiers who died in battle starting with the First World War.

“These are the ones that gave everything,” Board Chair Chris Pereira said. “A lot of people still recognize the names on those plaques — it’s just really important to remember them.”

The flags — folded by the board’s Vice Chair Norm Gunderson and Veterans Service Officer Matthew Brouillette — are framed in a triangle shape similar to what families receive upon the death of a soldier.

“This is just a special thank you for something we can never truly repay,” Pereira said. “This is just a small token of our thanks and we’ll be forever grateful.”

According to Pereira, the Veterans Advisory Board placed approximately 20 displays around Dartmouth, including at Town Hall, the water department office, and the Council on Aging — where Brouillette also hosts a veterans’ corner the first Friday of every month.

The Veterans Corner includes casual conversation with fellow veterans.

Each of the town’s public schools will also contain a small display at each entrance.

“It’s a beautiful recognition,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Bonny Gifford said, adding that the School Department was more than glad to put up the displays. “Anything to honor those who served.”