|
Dedication
Brigadier General Harrison Thyng Memorial
July 17, 2004
Culminating a three and
one half year effort, the Pittsfield Historical Society
dedicated the Thyng Memorial on July 17, 2004. On a
bright, beautiful day, with hundreds of people gathered
to witness the occasion, the ceremony went off without a
hitch.
 First
came stirring music from the Bektash Shriner’s Drum
Corps, then two pre-WWII Stearman PT-17’s flew overhead
with their noisy engines roaring to all, “Welcome to the
ceremony.” The colors were presented by Manchester
American Legion Post 79 following patriotic tunes by the
Hopkinton Town Band.
On the dais were eleven
people including host of ceremonies Larry Berkson.
Larry introduced Father Georges de Laire who gave the
benediction and Reverend Sandy Pierson who led the
Pledge of Allegiance. Kelly Loring of Belmont
sang
a moving rendition of the Star Spangled Banner. Larry
followed Kelly with an introduction of many
distinguished guests in the audience including two New
Hampshire fighter aces from WWII, the military presence
in its many forms, and civilian guests among which was
Louis Scott, Plant Manager, Rock of Ages, responsible
for the cutting and carving of the granite memorial.
Larry then introduced
Bill Provencal, Historical Society President, who
thanked the many volunteers for making the occasion a
reality. Edward Tasker, former Selectman of Barnstead,
spoke on behalf of the people of both towns. He said
that without their participation, there would be no
memorial. He spoke of Gen. Thyng visiting him in a
hospital when he was recovering from wounds from his
Vietnam duty - a General visiting a Private.
 Next
it was Jim Thyng’s turn at the microphone. He thanked
the people of Pittsfield and Barnstead and individuals
from 30 States for what they had accomplished. He
introduced guest speakers Gordon Beem, Major USAF
retired; John Blair, Major General, NH Nat’l Guard; Lt.
Gen. Daniel James, Director Air Nat’l Guard; and Ronald
Fogleman, Chief of Staff, USAF retired. And speak they
did: Beem told of his experience handling Thyng’s famous
message of 1951 to Gen. Vandenberg; Blair spoke of his
personal involvement with Thyng who had helped his son;
Gen. James told the story of Thyng’s founding of the Air
Guards of ME, NH, and VT; Gen. Fogleman heralded Thyng’s
feats as a great combat leader and standout airman. All
told the story of one of New Hampshire’s greatest
patriots and leaders of men.
Interrupting Gen.
Fogleman’s speech was the fourship flyby of F-16 jet
fighters from the 309th Fighter Squadron, the
same unit Harry Thyng had commanded in 1942. Their
roaring arrival was applauded by all. The band played
the Air Force Song in tribute to the Gen. Thyng as the
colors were retired and the ceremony closed. A day to
remember.
Brigadier General Harrison Thyng
Plaques at the Memorial
Park:
See Other Parks &
Trails
|
