Page 1 - MAY2023

BRISTOL • BRIDGEWATER • ALEXANDRIA • HEBRON • PLYMOUTH
2023 VOL. 3. NO. 5
Postal Customer
Plymouth
Post Cane
Recipient
By Donna RhoDes
PLYMOUTH – The Town of Plymouth is currently seek- ing recommendations as to who may be eligible to become the next Boston Post Cane holder in the town, a unique and distinct honor awarded to the oldest resident of communities across much of New England, which over the past 114 years has be- come a treasured tradition in all towns that received the now his- toric canes.
In 1909 Boston Post Canes were first distributed to selectmen in 700 commu- nities throughout Maine, Mas-
POST CANE
continued on page 5
PRSRT STD
POSTAGE
PAID PERMIT 491
Concord, NH
MAY
By William nieman
April 16th arrived with a threat of rain, but blue skies prevailed, affording a bright contrasting background to the huge American flag, which, to this day, unfurled from the top of the ladder and extended to its full reach above Bristol’s largest fire truck. The hook and ladder vehicle was parked next to the parking lot of the United Church of Christ. Below the flag, Bristol and regional fire- fighters were gathering to pay homage to Bob Patten. Bob, who had died on March 12th, had served in the local depart- ment for more than a half-cen- tury.
The sanctuary of the modest church on the hill with its dis- tinctive bell tower would soon be filled to capacity. Bob’s large family would fill several front- row pews on one side of the church. Across the aisle, many firefighters dressed in their dark blue uniforms added to the evi- dent significance of the occasion and, not incidentally, of Bob’s
Answering The Call
Bob Patten and John Bianchi
life. The appearance of these men and women in their formal attire reminded all in attendance that they were in the presence of a special fellowship of first responders. Those who were
willing to risk injury and illness to protect the community, ex- tinguish fires, extricate trapped home dwellers, revive the ill and injured, and even rescue beloved pets.
Among the uniformed con-
tingent were two men with a special connection to and affin- ity with Bob Patten. They were
ANSWERING
THE CALL
continued on page 2
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