Thanks to all the membership ROTC Cadets who took tie out this past week to help with our Annual Poppy Drive. Again it was a success and we would like to thank the community for making donations.
We also need to thank all the Store’s for allowing us the opportunity to collect at their business. They include, Stop and Shop Elliott Street and N.Beverly, Shaw’s and Henry’s.
If you would like to make a donation to help with our Fortunate Poppy Drive und Please send it to the following:
Fortunate Veterans Of Foreign wars Post 545, P.O.. Box 424, Beverly, Ma. 001915
Another sad day to report that this week on November 19th, 2022 we lost Fellow Vietnam Veteran and long time member of our Beverly Vietnam Veterans Group( BVV), Chuck Mazer, to cancer.
He is now with his many other veterans and we know that like so many gave so much back. Chet will be missed,
Th Students, staff, teachers and many volunteers had Veterans join them in a light breakfast of bagels, donuts, sandwiches, juice and coffee before we entered the Auditorium for a really wonderful and moving day for all our Veterans.
These youg boys and girls along with the ROTC were great, Having BeverlyPolice and fire there was also great, believe me we have the best.
Thanks to Lisa Oliver, Pricipall, Ms. Norton, Ms, Twombly and Greg Twombly and Ms, Pasquarelli along with all the custodian help.
As the year go by we need alll of these young Boys and girls to carry this tradition on, it really means a lot to all of us.
Today, George Penniman, coaches, the Rip City Softball team and their parents made very generous donations to the Beverly Vietnam Veterans organization. Thank you.
And…Chuck Clark and Cory Paulette should be recognized for their tireless commitment to our veterans!
Today The Mother of Stephen Fortunato Betty Crawford along with members of Th Beverly Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 545 remembered and presented Betty Crawford flowers as we remembered the ultimate sacrifice that Stephen paid.
Listed below in the back row left to right:
John Curran
Greg Leonard
Jack ( JB) Mcguirk
Paul Lantz ( Post Commander)
Leland McDonough
Dave Perinchief
Eric Johnson
Charlie Ciamataro
Chuck Check( Beverly Vietnam Veterans Commander)
Front row
Berry Crawford
Jerry Guilebbe
Group Photo Betty Crawford and VFW Post 545Group Photo Betty Crawford
VFW Post 545Jack ( JB) McGuirk, Leland McDonough, Bill Prince, Eric Johnson, Chuck Clark
Please remember all these Prisoners of War and Missing in Action on this day. The Members of the Beverly Veterans Council and Beverly Vietnam veterans will never forget these brave men and woman.
National POW/MIA RECOGNITION DAY VIETNAM VETERANS MEMORIAL AT ONE ELLIS SQUARE BEVERLY, MA.
SEPTEMBER 16, 2022 IS POW/MIA RECOGNITION DAY, PLEASE REMEBER ALL THOSE WHO TODAY ARE STILL MISSING IN ACTION OR ARE STILL PRISONERS OF WAR . MEMBERS OF THE BEVERLY VETERANS COUNCIL AND BEVERLY VIETNAM VETERANS WILL ALWAYS HAVE YOU IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS AS WE DO AT EACH MEETING.
POW/MIA RECOGNITION DAY 2022POW/MIA TABLE AT VIETNAM VETERANS MEMORIAL AT ONE ELLIS SQUARE BEVERLY, MA.
With Fall on the way the Beverly Vietnam Veterans, VFW and Veterans Council will be working on doing more for our veterans. If you like to join us send us an e-mail at either beverlyvietnamvets@gmail.com for ( Beverly Vietnam Veterans) or vfw545@gmail.com ( Fortunato VFW 545 Beverly) You can also contact the City of Beverly Veterans Agent ( David Perinchief) 978-778-5000
Bob Laws and BoBo with the fed bag on
bring on the foodPaul Lantz Kenny Cassola, Bob Laws and Jerry Guilebbe holding courtpizza just out of the oven
Now the we are slowly coming to the end of the summer prof 2022, the Beverly Vietnam Veterans will be hosting an end of year cookout for all it’s members and family. It has been a good summer with many activities, major fund raisers and monthly gathering’s.
We are still waiting on the walk way and sign to be placed at Vietnam Veterans Memorial at One Ellis Square, it still has not been delivered yet and no date for install has been set. We were hoping to have it complete by Veterans Day but not sure that this will happen.
MEMBERSHIP
Since this Web Site is for both Beverly Vietnam Veterans ( BVV ) and the Fortunato Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 545( VFW 545) check out our posts an activities, new members are always welcome and auxiliary membership for BVV as well. Please send an e-mail to vfw545@gmail.com to join the Fortunato VFW Post 545 or beverlyvietnamvets@gmail.com to join BVV.
Chaplain Laws BVVVFW Wreaths across America with scoutsVietnam Veterans Memorial at One Ellis SquareFortunato VFW monthly breakfast AT THE ANCHORCOMMANDER PAUL LANTZ AND HARVEY CALACHMAN WHO RECENTLY PASSEDBVV FUNDRAISERVIETNAM VETERANS COOKOUT AT VIETNAM VETERANS MEMORIAL AT ONE ELLIS SQUARE
THANKS TO. THE BEVERLY COUNCIL, VFW, Beverly Vietnam Veterans, Todd Rotondo, City of Beverly David perininchief, Cory, Paulette, Chuck Clark and Jan Perce. I know there are more but being in HospitaL during this time I know there was lot of help.
There was plenty of food for everyone and those I spoke to said it was great.
Thanks Todd for the cookingCommander ClRK VIETNm Veterans PostClM CHOWDER ICRE CREAM.
As part of Beverly Homecoming the Beverly Veterans Council along with the all the Veterans organizations will be hosting a Veterans cookout free to all Veterans and there family as part of homecoming week on August 5th from 4 to 7 PM at Vietnam Veterans Memorial at One Ellis Square.
Cory Paulette | July 1, 2022Ken Cassola ay Henry’sAnother hard working Vet!!!!Bob Gilbert who made the trip up frpm Florida to help out !! Great to se Bb again, a good friendOne of our youngest members and glad to have him aboard THANKS!!
Come out and make a donation at either Stop and Shop. Shaw’s or Henrys as we support our scholarship program to help BHS ROTC and North Shore Community College students. Each year we selected students to receive scholarships.
We have to thank all those Veterans who send time collecting for this great cause, Below are Don Luxton and Commander Chuck Chuck.
Don Luxton at Stop and Shop Elliott StreetCommander Chuck Clark at the fundraiser today
The Parade and Program this year were held on May 22rd, 2022 with placing of the wreaths , firing the Cannon, and Music by the Italian National Band .
Flags were placed all week at the cemetery’s. Programs and Parade were held in Beverly Farms at 9:00 AM and Downtown at 2:00 PM.
A thanks goes out to Beverly Vietnam Veterans ( BVV) Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) American Legion Post 46, American Legion Post 331, ROTC, Scouts, Schools and the many citizens who came out to assist.
We are always looking for new Members, it is the Fortunato Post VFW that is active with assisting and helping Veterans, we provide scholarships to both Beverly High School ROTC and North Shore Community College Veterans. We are looking for Veterans who served overseas, Korea, Vietnam, Panama, Granada and our newest Veterans of the Gulf War.
If you are interested in joining a great group, please send us an e-mail at vfw545@gmail.com.
We also have our Monthly Breakfast meeting at the Anchor Pub this month it will be March 19th at 8:00 AM.
VFW MONTHLY BREAKFAST AT THE ANCHOR PUB
This months VFW meeting will be on Monday March 14th at 6:30 PM at the Herman A. Spear Post 331.
The Beverly Vietnam Veterans Post # 1 will be hosting the Vietnam Veterans Day, we will celebrate this on MARCH 27th ( SUNDAY ) starting at 10:00 AM at he Memorial at Beverly Hospital. Followed by a program at Vietnam Veterans Memorial at One Ellis Square at 11:00.
All are welcome to attend, see the attached flyer and please pass this along
Memorial at Beverly Hospital National Veterans Day held on March 27th at 10:00 AMChaplain Bob Laws Hospital MemorialVietnam Veterans Memorial t One Ellis Square for Vietnam Veterans Day
Elements Care provides complete Medical Care and social supports for people age 55+ who have healthcare needs. in Beverly and surrounding North Shore area.
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The Beverly location is located in the 100 building of Cummings Center # 166D it can be accessed from the New Batch Street Entrance.
A Big crowd turned out to watch the Santa/Holiday Parade, and along with the Elks and Elks Veterans Committee, Patriot Riders, Beverly Vietnam Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 545, American Legion Post 331 and American Legion Post 46 Beverly Farms, and Vittori Rocci Post participated this year not only on motorcycles, but a Trolly for those to ride in.
Thanks to all who worked on this events, and to all who helped decorate the Trolly.
Bob Laws, also known as ScroogeChristine Tron VFW Post 545 Past Commander and State OfficerWendy, Carla and Lisa from the Beverly/Salem Elks # 1309
Greg Leonard. Beverly Vietnam Veterans
Christine Tron VFW Post 545Joe D. dong his job to keep all safe and a member of Beverly Vietnam Veterans Jerry Guilebbe Veterans Council
The Fortunato Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 545, will again be placing wreaths at the Veterans Sections of Central and N. Beverly, we wish we could do all the graves but we would have to have over 3500 wreaths.
By placing wreaths at the designated Veterans Sections at Central and N. Beverly we can honor all Veterans. We also will place a wreath at the Entrance to St. Mary’s Cemetery, Beverly Farms Cemetery Memorial and all the other Memorials throughout the City.
THIS WILL TAKE PLACE ON DECEMBER 18TH, 2021. BRIAN WILLAMS AND THE GROUP OF VOLUNTEERS HE HAS WILL TAKE CARE OF N. BEVERLY AT 9:00 AM. JERRY GUILEBBE AND THE SCOUTS WILL PLACE WREATHS AT CENTRAL SAME DAY AND SAME TIME.
WE HAVE TO THANK THE DRIVERS WHO VOLUNTEER THERE TIME TO DRIVE THE WREATHS DOWN FROM MAINE BY TRACTOR TRAILER.
PLACING WREATHS LAST YEAR BY THE SCOUTS JUST AFTWER WE RECEIVED 6″ OF SNOW
SCOUTS AND TROOP LEADERS PLACING WREATHS LAST YEAR
The Beverly Holiday/Santa Parade will take place on Sunday November 28th at 1:00 PM, all assemble at Beverly High School.
All should be at the High School parking lot by 12:30PM . All Veterans are invited to ride the Trolly in the Parade.
The combined forces of Beverly/Salem Elks # 1309 and there veterans Committee along with all the Members of the Beverly Veterans Council will join forces this years and ride in a Trolly all decked out.
Elks joining Veterans for a ProgramBeverly Vietnam Veterans Memorial
at One Ellis SquareVeterans of Foreign Wars Post 545Veterans on our float Santa/Holiday Parade 2019Beverly Veterans Council Santa/Holiday Parade 2019
Placing of wreath and ceremony at Beverly Hospital Vietnam Veterans Memorial by the Beverly Vietnam Veterans Post # 1 and local Veterans Organizations, which included The Beverly Vietnam Veterans Post # 1, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 545, Vittori Rocci Post 56, American Legion Post 46 Beverly Farms and Herman A Spear Post 331, Beverly. Also thanks to Edmund Lyon at Beverly Hospital.
Wreath at Beverly Hospital
Vietnam Veterans Memorial Post # 1
Veterans from the various Veterans Organizations present for the Wreath Presentation at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial at Beverly Hospital
A Wreath was placed and a short program took place at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial at Beverly Hospital
Veterans at the Vietnam Memorial at Beverly HospitalChaplain Bob Laws and Commander Chuck Clark from the Beverly Vietnam Veterans Post # 1, members of the Vietnam Veterans Post and Spear Post 331 as honor guard
The City of Beverly, Veterans Agent David Perinchief and the Beverly Veterans Council held a remembrance for Veterans Day. and the Members of the Beverly Vietnam Veterans Post # 1 and local Veterans placed a wreath at the Vietnam Memorial at One Ellis Square.
David Perinchief Veterans AgentPart of the over 150 who attended the Veterans Day Program/. Also a great rifle demonstration by the members of the JRROTC, and a thanks to the Cadets and Sgt. Maj. Olson from the Beverly High School ROTC.
The Beverly Veterans Council, along with Veterans Agent David Perinchief will be hosting this years Veterans Day Program at Vietnam Veterans Memorial at One Ellis Square on Thursday November 11th at 11:00 SHARP.
All are invited to attend this honor we pay to all of out veterans.
Lets all Remember all Vet earns and thank them for serving
Sgt. Maj. Oswald and the Beverly High School ROTC will be hosting a Veterans Day Program at the Field House on November 13th at 6:30 PM. Speaker will be the Commanding Officer from the USS Constitution. All are invited to attend.
Today we honored Gold Start Mother Betty Crawford the Mother of Stephen Fortunato who was killed in action on October 14, 2008 while serving in Afghanistan.
The Commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 545 in Beverly for which the post was named for all 4men served in the Military.
A floral arrangement and gift was given to Betty Crawford at Stephen Fortunato’s grave at St. Mary’s Cemetery. The Commander Paul Lantz made the presentation along with the following names below.
Sgt. Maj. Bob Desjardins and Greg Leonard.
Sgt. Maj Bob Desjardins, Greg Leonard, Gold Star Mother Betty Crawford and Don Luxton,Sgt. Maj Desjardins, Greg Leonaard, Gold Star Mother Betty Crawford and Commander Paul Lantz of the Fortunato VFW Post 545
The Beverly High School ROTC cadets with the Senior Marine instructor Ken Oswald, held a remembrance for POW/MIA Day at Beverly Vietnam Veterans Memorial at One Ellis Square this AM.
Many members of the Veterans Community and local citizens and City officials came out for the days program.
Beverly High School JRROTC CadetsMembers of Beverly Vietnam Veterans, VFW, American Legion and Amvets
This past week September 8, 2021 Beverly High School with the work of ROTC instructors Ken Oswald and Derrick Wise hosted Meal of Honor recipient Thomas Norris a Navy Seal and retired FBI agent.
Norris spoke to the members of Beverly High School and many veterans at the school auditorium. Arriving by Blackhawk Helicopter was a great sight to see and over 200 were outside at the High School field to watch it land with the Medal of Honor Veteran.
Just as a reminder that Beverly also has 2 medal of honor recipient’s Joseph Vittori and Stephen Doane
VETERANS AND FAMILY COOK OUT AS PART OF BEVERLY HOMECOMING. 2021
Finally after a month long month of July with days and days of rain, the Veterans and family cookout which was held on August 6th from 4 PM to 7:00 PM at Vietnam Veterans Memorial Plaza at One Ellis Square.
A good crowd came out for the event, and thanks to Brian Williams of the VFW we had lots of Hot Dogs, Hamburgers, Sausage, Salad, Chicken, Ziti and Broccoli, Corn Chowder, Soda and Ice Cream.
Thanks to the Beverly Veterans Council for providing the funds for this great cookout!!!!!
COngressman Seth Moulton and Aid
George Brown and family
Ron Genest, JB McGuirk, Paul Lanz
Paul, Bill Prince, and local Vet
Rick Marciano, Vet and Peter
Cory Paulette, Bob laws
Vets, family and Julie
Rich Donland, Rep. Parisella
Julia Lyons v/p Homecoming and Medley Long President
Harvey L. Calichman, grew up in Revere, and attended Revere High School, After graduation he enlisted into the U.S. Navy, he was a Vietnam Veteran and after receiving his honorable discharge he received his bachelors from North East University and his masters from Maria College.
He was a Sgt in the Boston Police Department and then became probation officer in Peabody District Count..
He was also an adjutant professor at North Shore Community College, and was awarded Teacher of the year, he was a teacher for 37 years.
Harvey was a great man, friend and never had a bad word to say about anyone, he was just a great guy and along with missing him at our meetings, he was always great to hear the many stories he had. You will be missed!!!
The Members of the Beverly Vietnam Veterans Post # 1 and Fortunato VFW Post 545 in Beverly, Ma. awarded 5 scholarships to students from both Beverly High School JRROTC and North Shore Community College. The rain help off as we opened the program with the pledge of Allegiance, and opening of the program.
Commander Chuck Clark from the Beverly Vietnam Veterans Post # 1, gave a brief description of the Memorial and it’s meaning to all of us. Scholarships were presented to Comnor Farley from North Shore Community College and Colin Andrew from Beverly High School JRROTC.
The next presentation came from Commander Paul Lantz from the Fortunato Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 545 in Beverly and scholarships were awarded to Jacob Bent from North Shore Community College and Michael Geary also from North Shore Community College.
Thanks to all who came out today for these presentations, and coffee and pastries were served after the program. If you like to help with one of our Veterans Groups with a donation please visit our Web Page at bvvinc.org. On the main page is out P.O Box to send a donation to either of the groups. We are here to help veterans and our community.
With this past week of rain now for 4 days, the members of the Beverly Vietnam Veterans, Veterans pf Foreign Wars Post 545, American Legion Post 46 Beverly Farms, American Legion Post 331 Herman A Spear Post , braved all the rain along with the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, ROTC, Beverly Schools students, and local citizens placed all the flags at all the City Cemeteries this past week.
WE cannot thank all of you enough for taking time and getting wet to complete this important task to honor all of our Veterans.
Again due to the weather, the members of the Beverly Vietnam Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 46 and Post 331 American Legion placed all the wreaths at all the City Memorials today. Thanks to all the who came out for this service.
Later today the Program for Memorial Day will be held at Beverly High School Feld House.
Again this year the members for the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Beverly Vietnam Veterans, Post 46 American Legion, Post 331 Herman A Spear Post, all the Scouts, Students, and local citizens with the members of the Beverly Veterans Council placed over 3500 American Flags at the graves of all our Veterans.
Again for the second year, due to Corvid we will not be having a Memorial Day Parade but will gather at Lynch Park here in Beverly, on Memorial Day May 31st at 2:00 PM. All are invited to attend, proper distance and safety concerns for all.
PLACING OF FLAGS FOR Memorial Day 2021
BEVERLY FARMS CEMETERY WILL BE FLAGGED ON MAY 21ST ( FRIDAY ) 4:00 PM.
SONS OF ABRAHAM CEMETERY WILL. BE FLAGGED ON MAY 28TH ( FRIDAY) BOB FREEDMAN WILL TAKE CARE OF THIS CEMETERY
ST. MARY’S CEMETERY WILL BE HANDLED BY SUSAN MORAN AND THE GIRL SCOUTS ON SATURDAY MAY 22ND AND BY SAINTS ACADEMY STUDENTS.   STILL NEED HELP
CENTRAL CEMETERY WIL BE FLAGGED ON WEDNESDAY MAY 26TH AT 4:00 PM BY
BVV, VFW, ROTC . ELKS AND LOCAL CITIZENS STILL COULD USE HELP
N. BEVERLY CEMETERY WILL BE FLAGGED ON SATURDAY MAY 29TH BY SCOUTS 9:00 AM
Today March 29, 2021 we honor and remember all the Veterans of the Vietnam War.
March 29 is a fitting choice for a day honoring Vietnam veterans. It was chosen to be observed in perpetuity as March 29, 1973 was the day United States Military Assistance Command, Vietnam was disestablished and also the day the last U.S. combat troops departed Vietnam. In addition, on and around this same day Hanoi released the last of its acknowledged prisoners of war.
Below are someone the photos from the observance held at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial at One Ellis Square yesterday, It was a cold and rainy day but many came out to remember all of these Vietnam Veterans, 11 of which were killed in action from Beverly, Massachusetts.
Jerry Guilebbe from the Vietnam Veterans Post as MC for Vietnam Veterans Day at the Ellis Square Memorial March 28, 2021
From left to right, State Rep Jerry Parisella from Beverly, Ma. Ken Cassola, Eric Johnson and Bob Laws.
Member of the Beverly Vietnam Veterans Post #1
Commander Chuck Clark reading the names of those Killed in action in Vietnam, Bob laws and Jerry Guilebbe look on.
Organized by Beverly residents, especially Jan Pierce and Terry Mailous. On a cold Sunday Beverly residents collected well over 45 new pairs of sneakers to be delivered to Chelsea Soldiers Home this past Sunday March 14th
Below are some of the photos taken from that collection day
A big thanks to Texas Roadhouse, Jay Lahey and The Daughters of the Revolution for there donation of multiple pairs of sneakers.
Jan Pierce from Engel & Volkers Real-EstateJerry Guilebbe and PaulMonica and Beatrice from Texas road House in Danvers.
Tonight February 8th, 2021 we had a Zoom meeting to discuss many issues that are relevant to the VFW and local Veterans.
Our State Rep. Jerry Parisella, who is a member of our VFW updated all of us on Corvid-19 Vaccination. The Bedford VA Hospital is now taking appointments for Veterans 50 and older, call the Main Number and request an appointment. Also for the 75 and older you can call the State of Massachusetts at 211 or go to ww.mss.gov to request an appointment, this is for all citizens not just Veterans.
Also discussion on having our annual fundraiser this year, it was not held last May due to Corvid, but we are hoping with things getting better we might be Able to fund raise in May, this will be looked into next month again. We do have a request in with the City for the Can Drive at local stores over Memorial Day weekend.
The Commander ( Paul Lantz) discussed having street signs for sue veterans who did in action and have not been acknowledged with a marker, we will discuss this at future meetings.
If you are a Veteran and served overseas and would like to join a great group please send us an e-mail and we can contact you for membership.
One of Our Scholarship Recipients for 2020Bonnie Wagmeister 2020 Alexandra Calichman 2020
The final edition to the Beverly Vietnam Veterans Memorial at One Ellis Square is now on order, the Black Granite sign bill be 8′ in length and 20″ high and mark the entrance to the Park. It will also have a Black Granite walk way as you enter from Cabot Street.
The QR code Plaque will also be placed so those who enter can click on the QR code and get information on those Veterans who died in Vietnam and who’s names are on the Memorial.
Thanks to the Mayor Cahill, Stephanie Bilotti, Mike Collins, David Perinchief and all those from the Engineering Department for working on this project.
I guess we can also thank, Chuck Clark, Cory Paulette and Jerry Guilebbe who are on the Committee and have been since the beginning.
The City of Beverly has a world class Memorial for all to visit and reflect as we honor the 11 names on the Wall who gave their lives in Vietnam.
The new Black Granite Sign at the Entrance to the Memorial, the Plaque for the QR Side will be t the right of the walk way, not shown New sign and the QR code Plaque at the Park entrance
Today December 19, 2020 members of the Scouts Troop 4 and may others placed wreaths at Central Cemetery and N. Beverly Cemetery for the Christmas Season. It was a very cold morning ( 15 degrees) but not a problem for young boys and girls.
Each of the scouts placed a wreath and read their name and said here we place a wreath for a Veteran.
Thanks to Jeff and the other adults who came out to supervise and work with the young boys and Girls.
placing wreath at the Veterans Section in Central CemeteryA walk into 12″ of snow to place a wreathheading to the top of the HillThis is a way to remember our Veterans, great view as you walk unto the Veterans Section,Scouts of troop 4 along with Brian Williams and Jerry Guilebbe and one of the Parents
Robert Davis joined the 102nd Field Artillery Massachusetts National Guard on December 2, 1940 On August 7, 1944 he sailed to Europe arriving in Normandy September 7, 1944.
He fought in battles and campaigns in France, Rhineland, Ardene and Central Europe He also served in Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany , Austria and Czechosolvakia.
In February 1945 he was wounded in action in Fraulautern, Germany and received the Purple Heart, returning back home September 1945
He was Honorably Discharged October 7, 1945 from Fort Devens, Massachusetts.
Happy Birthday Bob – “One of America’s Greatest Generation”
A thanks to both the Pack 4 N. Beverly Cub Scouts and Mario and his Boy Scout Troop who took care of removing the flags from N.Beverly and Central Cemetery. This is one of the biggest 2 cemeteries to take care of.
Also thanks to Cory Paulette, Chuck Clark, for all their hellcat the N.Beverly Cemetery.
Paul Weinberg and his group removed all the flags from the Sons of Abraham Cemetery on Cole Street, and Sean Murray for taking care of the Farms Cemetery.
Cub Scout Pack 4 with Jerry Guilebbe giving them a little history lesson on how flags are placed and removed.
This years with the Corvid -19 virus still waging a war against us all, we have decided to have just Veterans at the various Memorials as we place wreaths, and honor those both Living and those who gave their life.
Veterans Day Program
Veterans Day Video 2020
We will start the program on Wednesday Nov, 11, 2010 at 11:00
AM. it will be on the 11th Month. 11th Day and 11th hour.
We will be at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial at Beverly Hospital and from their to Veterans Memorials at Odell Park, and finish up at Vietnam Veterans Plaza at One Ellis Square.
We have asked all Veterans who are planning to tend about 25 to wear a mask and practice safe distance.
REP. PARISELLA AND VETERANS OFFICER David PerinchiefCHAPLAIN BOB LAWS AND BVV. VFW OFFICER Beverly Vietnam Veterans Memorial AT Beverly Hospital
Photos and a Video will be uploaded in a few weeks see on this Web Page,
Vietnam Veterans Memorail at Ellis Square Veterans Day 2020 Paul Weinberg and Rick Marciano Veterans Memorials at Odell Park Nov 2020
Gold Star Mother’s Day is observed on the last Sunday in September which will be Sunday, September 27, 2020 this year. Gold Star Mother’s Day is intended to recognize and honor those mothers who have lost a son or daughter in the service of the U.S. Armed Forces.
The Members of The Fortunato Veterans o Foreign Wars Post 545 in Beverly, honored our Gold Star Mother Betty Crawford who lost her son Stephen Fortunato in Afghanistan.
STEPHEN R. FORTUNATO
Age: 25 Branch: U.S. Army Rank: Specialist Unit: 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division Station: Fort Hood, TX
Fallen on: October 14, 2008 Location: Qazi Bandeh, Afghanistan Campaign: Operation Enduring Freedom
Medals & Commendations: Purple Heart, National Defense, Afghanistan Campaign, Global War on Terror
Commander Paul Lantz, Gold Star Mother Betty Crawford, Jerry Guilebbe
PLEASE SEE THE ATTACHED APPLICATION AND RULES FOR THE PATRIOT PEN CONTEST. THIS IS FOR GRADES 6 THROUGH 8, BOTH PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SCHOOLS ARE ELLIGIBLE.
THE FORTUNATO VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS POST 545 IN BEVERLY, WILL AWARD THE LOCAL WINNER $ 100.00 AND SEND HIS OR HER NAME AND ESSAY OFF TO THE STATE FOR FUTURE CONSIDERATION.
YOU CAN CONTACT THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE VFW PATRIOTS PEN CONTEST Christine Tron at christinetron@hotmail.com or The VFW Post 545 Quartermaster Jerry Guilebbe at j.guilebbe@comcast.net for information and applications.
We would like all applications and essay’s back to us by the 15th so we can process them and submit our winner to the State VFW.
Thanks to the Spear Post American Legion Post 331 we will start having our monthly meetings again:
The Fortunato Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 545 will have their monthly meeting this Tuesday September 15th, at 6:30 PM in the upper hall, please be sure to wear your mask, There will be selected seating to keep all safe.
Hope to see to all as we start with our Monthly Meetings on the First Tuesday of each month at 6:30 PM.
The Beverly Vietnam Veterans will also start having monthly meetings starting on Wednesday October 7th at 6:30 PM also at the Spear Post.
If you would like to join one of our Veterans groups please send us an e-mail. You can also call 508-725-7865.
WE ALL MISS THIS WONDERFUL LADY AND KOREAN VETERAN
This has been a difficult year for all of us, but we were still able to award ( 5 ) $ 2000.00 each scholarships to deserving Beverly High School ROTC Students and North Shore Community College Veterans to continue their education.
ALEXANDRA CALICHMAN – LEGACY AWARD FROM BVV AND VFW COMBINED TREVOR LEBLANC- NORTH SHORE COMMUNITY COLLEGE- BEVERLY VIETNAM VETERAN RECIPIENTBONNIE WAGMEISTER- NORTH SHORE COMMUNITY COLLEGE- FORTUNTO VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS POST 545Nicholas Pratt- Beverly High School/ROTC = Scholarship presents by Fortunato VFW Post 545 Jerry Guilebbe, Paul Lantz, Nicholas Pratt, Charlie Ciarmitaro and Jack McGuirk Almandandi Bader- Beverly High School/ROTC presented by Beverly Vietnam Veterans and Commander Chuck Clark
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN ASSISTING THE BEVERLY VIETNAM VETERANS OR FORTUNATO VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS POST 545 WITH A DONATION TO HELP US CONTINUE WITH ASSISTING OUR LOCAL STUDENTS, PLEASE SEND TO EITHER THE BEVERLY VIETNAM VETERANS AT P.O. Box 661 BEVERLY, MA. OR FORTUNATO VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS POST 545 P.O. Box 424, BEVERLY, MA
Our Federal Id and Non-Profit number I 04-6126840, if you wish to make a tax deductible donation
Since the Corvid 19 virus, we have been unable to have a meeting now In 3 months, so we have put together a newsletter to keep everyone up to date of some of the happenings.
Everyone who has a current e-mail will receive a copy of the newsletter and those who do not have a current e-mail will have a copy sent to their address we have on file.
If you could either send me back your current contact inforamtion either by e-mail or letter it will help us to keep you posted on all of our activities.
We also are planning next week to send out a 100th Anniversary Challenge Coin, once we have your current address. Also having your e-mail and phone is also a great help.
Front of the new Challenge CoinBack of the Challenge Cin
THIS WAS A TRYING TIME FOR ALL, AND ESPECIALLY THIS Memorial DAY WITH HE CORVID19 VIRUS.
Members of the Beverly City Council, and the Veterans Organizations in Beverly spend many hours last week placing 3800 American Flags on the graves of those who died for our country.
We also went around to many of the City Memorials on Memorial Day and place wreaths at these Memorials, we kept it to a small group and the short program at Veterans Memorials at Odell Park to finish up our program,’
I cant thank the Members of the Beverly Vietnam Veterans Post # 1, and the Fortunato Veterans of Foreign wars Post 545, and Both the Herman A Spear Post 331 and Michale J. Cadigan Post 46 of Beverly Farms and it’s auxiliary for providing the many hours of work. Our Commander Chuck Clark and Cory Paulette, Paul Lantz worked 100’s of hours to get the job done.
I also need to thanks Robert Harrisngotn for doing the Video for Memorial Day which will be shown on local Cable Access.
Betty Crawford and Members of the Fortunal Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 545 placing a wreath with Betty Stephen’s Mother in his honor.Herman A. Spear Post 331 Memorial Day 2020 City Hall Beverly Memorial dedicated to all Veterans Left to right Cory Paulette,Chuck Clark. Sgt. Maj DesJardins Jerry Guilebbe, Bob Laws Vietnam Veterans Memorial at Beverly Hospital
On April 29, 2020 the Beverly Vietnam Veterans Post # 1 lost one of our members, Kay Trefry. She was our only Woman Veteran and was always such a great lady, who was always there with us for all the events and gatherings.
She will be missed by all and we send our condolence’s to her family.
This year the Fortunato VFW post 545 will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 545 here in Beverly.
A Celebrations was to take place at the combined Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 545( VFW ) and the Beverly Vietnam Veterans Pst # 1 ( BVV ) but due to the current situation it has been cancelled.
The members of the Beverly Vietnam Veterans ( BVV ) will be out collecting for our Scholarship Program and funds to assist local Veterans. The fundraiser drive will start June 30 and continue each day through July 3rd. at the various grocery store locations throughout Beverly. Please come out and support us so we can support our local ROTC students and Northshore Community College students.
Here are some past photos of our fundraising events
Greg , Commander Chuck and Cory Past Commander Bob Gilbert at Stop and Shop
The Members of the Fortunato Veterans Of Foreign Wars Post 545 will be out canning from May 17th through the 23rd of June throughout the City a various locations. This fundraiser is to help us with providing local Scholarships at Beverly High School and North Shore Community College. This is also to support the many local activities and programs through the VFW and local Veterans. Please stop by and make a donation and receive our Red Poppy, it is appreciated. You can also send a donation to the Post to Veterans of Foreign Wars Fortunato Post 545, P.O. Box 661, Beverly, Ma. 01915.
Commander Paul Lantz of the Fortunato Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 54 Scholarship Recipients
Thanks to one of our Beverly Vietnam Veterans and VFW Members here in Beverly, a great turn out came to support the American Legion’s 100th Anniversary. Leland McDonough planned the event and a great turn out from both the Beverly Vietnam Veterans ( BVV ) and Fortunato Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 545 both in Beverly. Mrs. Mrs. Joanne Patton, Daughter in Law of General George Patton Jr, and Widow of Major General George S. Paton IV was also present for the evening at the Post. Thanks to all who came out to support the A.P. Gardner Post 194.
Members of the Beverly Vietnam Veterans and VFW Beverly and Mrs. Patton Mrs. Patton and local Veterans
THE PROGRAMS SCHEDULED FOR MARCH 28TH HAVE BOTH BEEN CANCELLED!!!!!
PLEASE ALL STAY SAFE DURING THESE TIMES AND PLEASE CHECK IN ON ALL YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS BY PHONE TO SEE HOW THEY ARE ALL DOING AND IF ANY OF OUR VETERANS ARE IN NEED.
Americans celebrate Vietnam Veterans Day annually on March 29 thanks to a measure signed into law by President Donald Trump in 2017.
The holiday, officially known as National Vietnam War Veterans Day, was made official by Trump through the “Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017,” and encourages Americans to display the U.S. flag in honor of Vietnam veterans.
U.S. Armed Forces personnel with active duty service between November 1, 1955 to May 15, 1975, regardless of location of service which includes:
Nine million Americans serving during that time
6.4 million Americans living today
2.7 million U.S. service members who served in Vietnam
58,000 whose names are memorialized on a black granite wall in our Nation’s capital
304,000 who were wounded
1,253 Missing in Action (MIA) heroes who have not yet returned to American soil
The commemoration makes no distinction between veterans who served in-county, in-theater, or were stationed elsewhere during those 20 years.
Eric Johnson and Commander Chuck Clark having just placed the wreath at the Beverly Hospital Vietnam Memorial March 28, 2020 Wrath that was placed for Vietnam Veterans Day at The Memorial at Ellis Square March 28, 2020 Eric Johnson and Commander Chuck Clark at Vietnam Memorial at Essis Square March 28, 2020 Cory Paulette and Commander Chuck Clark at Vietnam Memorial at Beverly Hospital March 28, 2020
The combined efforts of the American Legion District , Michael J. Cadigan Post 46 American Legion, Beverly Veterans Council, Fortunato Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 545, Beverly Vietnam Veterans Post # 1 help the annual Four Chaplain Sunday Program, which was the Seventy-Seventh year.
Over 90 people attended the event at the Hastings House in Beverly Farms to hear the story of the Four Chaplains who gave there loves to help save so many when the Troop Transport Ship USS Dorchester was hit by a German U Boat Torpedo and sank in the cold waters on February 3rd, 1943.
A Special thanks to the Members of the Michael J. Cadigan Post 46, especially Don O’Connor for purchasing the food and with the Auxillary Members Raeann, Sandra, MaryLou and Pat for putting all the food together and filling sandwiches and cleaning up.
Below are some pictures of the event.
Also Thanks to District 8 American Legion Chaplain Bob Laws for putting this all together.
District 8 Chaplain Bob Laws and State Sgt at Arms Bruce HeiseySoloist Tom Edmonds – He was exceptional in his singingSandra Kee Department of Mass Vice Commander- Reading the Memories of USCG Radioman Cecil BlairTed Butler District 8 – Reading the Saga of the Four ChaplainsMembers of American Legion Posts Members of the Hamilton American Legion Members of the Beverly Vietnam Veterans and Fortunato Veterans of Foreishn Wars Post 545 Elder Robert DesJardins giving the closing prayer
Fortunto Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 545, Beverly, Ma. hold it’s monthly business meetings once a month on the second Saturday of each month at the Anchor Pub. It is a great turnout out and get together, breakfast is FREE! To our new Gulf War Veterans come and join us, we are not your usual Bar, smoke filled rooms, we discuss, way to asset others in the community, get them Benefit, Health Care. We are currently planning Many events, our Annual Poppy drive, teacher of the year award, and many othersevents.
We need your help to assist the younger veterans with the many issues they face. If you want to join us our meetings are held the second Monday of each month in the upstairs hall of the Herman A. Spear Post 331 at 6:30 pm. Even if you are interested in helping us out, send me your e-mail and we will keep you posted on the evens we have and anything you can do to help us. Send an e-mail to the one listed on this web page. vfw545@gmail.com
We wish to thank the North Shore Christian School, Beverly Campus 3rd and 4th grade, and Liz Macdavitt for all the help in removing the flags at North Beverly Cemetery on a cool and wet day. Amazing how fast this group was arable to remove over 500 flags!!!
We are please to announce that the Fortunato Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 545, selected Lilly Noelle Glass as our winner, and her name was then sent on to State for future consideration. She was awarded $ 100.00 as our winner.
Thanks to all who submitted an entry and be assured that each one was read and given consideration.
Beginning Jan. 1, 2020, Veterans who served as far as 12 nautical miles from the shore of Vietnam, or who had service in the Korean Demilitarized Zone, are presumed to have been exposed to herbicides, such as Agent Orange, and may be entitled to service connection for any of the 14 conditions related to herbicide exposure.
For additional information go to the www.va.gov and search Agent Orange, Navy Blue water, it will list all the conditions related to Agent Orange.
If you are from Massachusetts each City and Town in the State has a Veterans Agent ( VSO ) and can assist you with this or any other claim or VA Health Care enrollment. Just call your City or Town Hall and ask to speak to the Veterans Agent.
This years parade was to honor Veterans with former Mayor Bill Scanlon and his wife Louise as Grand Marshall.
The day was dry but very cold, and the snow and rain held out for the Parade, which was one of the largest and a good crowd came out to enjoy the many Bands, Floats, Dancers, ROTC, Veterans and so many more participants.
The Beverly Veterans Council with the help of Paul Lantz, Don O’Connor, Cory Paulette, Chuck Clark, Jerry Guilebbe and Jan Pierce put the goat together and Walter( and his grandson), Jerry, Chuck, Cory rode the float.
THE MEMBERS OF THE BEVERLY VIETNAM VETERANS AND FORTUNATO VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS POST 545 WISH ALL OF OUR VETERANS AND FRIENDS A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A SAFE A HEALTHY NEW YEAR.
Please join us as we honor our scholarship recipient’s, which will be chosen by our committee in April 2020. This year again we thank the Italian Community Center for there generous use of the hall.
PROGRAM:
SCHEDULE:
6:00 PM Cocktails
7:00 PM Hot and Cold Buffet
8:00 PM Scholarship Presentations
Entertainment : Joe Amore
Ticket Prices : TBD
Tables of 8 can be reserved.
For more information or tickets e-mail Jerry Guilebbe @
The Veterans of Foreign Wars Fortunato Post 545 (VFW ) in Beverly and the Beverly Vietnam Veterans Post # 1( BVV ) would like to wish all a great Thanksgiving and to remember those who are serving all over the world especially those in arms way. If there is a Veteran or Veterans family who needs assistance this Thanksgiving please let us know by e-mail and we will do our best to assist them. All requests will be kept private, among the Veteran and his Family and our group.
With the passing of Veterans Day and winter on the door stop, it is time to remove the flags that we had placed back for Memorial Day. The Staff and Students from the North Shore Christian School assisted myself in removing the flags from the N. Beverly Cemetery.
Also thanks to Paul Weinberg and Sean Murray for removing flag from the Jewish Cemetery on Cole Street and Beverly Farms.
There still may be some flags at Central and if you should be in the Cemetery maybe if those who visit can remove a few flags and eventually they will all get removed by winter. All flags removed can be taken to City Hall, Central Fire Station, American Legion on Pond Street, just remember to take the flag off the stick. If you have any questions please send us an e-mail which is on our web site here.
Members of the Beverly Veterans Council and Beverly Vietnam Veterans attended a ceremony at Ledgewood Facility on the campus of Beverly Hospital. Each of the 15 Veterans were given a Plaque with a certificate of Appreciation for there service. The Boy Scouts from Troop 4 handed out American Flag Pins. The program had an opening prayer, songs, poems and a short speech by the Director of the facility. Coffee and cake was served after the program. Thanks to all who came out for this program, the Veterans were so happy we came to recognize them and spend some time with them. The Boy Scouts lead all with the pledge of allegiance and the posting of the colors.
This November 11,2019 at 11:00 Am, the City of Beverly’s Veterans, family, Citizens came together on a beautiful day to honor all Veterans on this Veterans Day.
A large crowd came out for the program, with an opening of Bag Pipes playing, followed by the bells at the Church ringing out at 11 AM. This was to commemorate the signing of the end of World War I on the 11th Month, the 11th Day on the 11th hour.
David Perinchief he Veterans Service Officer was the MC for the program and had District 8 American Legion, and Chaplain of the Beverly Vietnam Veterans Post ( BVV) open with a prayer. Our State Representative and Lt. Col in the Army reserve and a Gulf War Vet gave the remake rom the State House, this is followed by the Mayor Michael Cahill, who spoke on the sacrifice all veterans and their family have given over the years. A wreath was place by Col. Nick Petronzio ( Ret) and State Rep and Lt. Col Jerry Parisella, A closing pray by the chaplain. A collation as held at the Hreman A Spear Post 331 following the service. Thanks to all !!!
The Members of he Beverly Vietnam Veterans Post # 1, Veterans of Foreign Wars Fortunato Post 545 ( VFW), American Legion Post 46 Post American Legion Post 331 and AMVETS Post # 56, gathered at the Memorial at Beverly Hospital with family and friends for a wreath placing ceremony at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial at Beverly Hospital.
The muring of Noevner 8th started off with a great program by the Beverly Middle School, they had interviewed 5 Veterans and presented a story of each one. Poems were read and a banner with many of the Beverly’s veterans were placed on the banner that ran the length of the stage. The Beverly High School and there ROTC honored the Veterans at there assembly with a speech by a former BHS Student and ROTC Cadet. Thanks to CWO Smith and the staff at BHS for this Veterans Day Program.
The work that both the Superintendent, Teachers, Staff and students was on of the best!! Thanks to all for a wonderful Veterans Day Program.
A great breakfast was put together by the Beverly Council on Aging, Senior Center. Food was made available by Tod Rotondo at Cafe Salerno. The Beverly High School ROTC posted colors, and after breakfast a movie was shown for Veterans Day. Thanks to Maryann Holak and her staff for all he work putting this together.
On Wednesday at 8:30 Am, the students of the North Beverly Elementary School, came together for a wonderful Veterans Day program of dance, Poem’s singing. Thanks to all the Teachers, Principal and students for a worker morning.
Centerville School
A thanks to all the staff and Students and especially Caroline Gilligan for the wonderful cards and donations they made to the Veterans, we will send these cards to some of our Gulf War Veterans and the money collected will be used to obtain a gift basket to those Veterans at Skilled Facilities here in Beverly, most of which are World War II Veterans.
On November 5th, 2019 the Members of the Fortunato Veterans of Foreign wars Post 545 enjoyed a lunch at the Herrick House. A meal of steak or chicken with all the fixing was had by about 20 Veterans and residents of Herrick House.
Our VFW Post 545 has a monthly coffee on the 4th Thursday of each month. It is always great to hear the stories of these World War II Veterans.
Veterans Day and the Dedication of the New Vietnam Veterans Memorial at Ellis Square took place on November 11th, 2018 at 11:00 AM. A large turn out came to observe Veterans Day and the unveiling of the new Sculpture and Plaques at the new Memorial.
After the Veterans Day observance, the Dedication took place with the reading of the 11 names of the killed in Acton in Vietnam from Beverly and the unveiling of the new sculpture. The new Memorial was a effort of many people especially the members of the Beverly Vietnam Veterans, City of Beverly, and many others. The project started almost 2 years ago, and after many meetings and discussions, the Vietnam Memorial is now a reality, and as time goes on we will continue to add to the park.
Please plan on attending this years Veterans Day Program which will be held at Vietnam Veterans Memorial at One Ellis Square.
As always the program will start on November 11th at 11:00 AM.
The day known as Armistice Day is commemorated every year on the 11th of November to mark the armicise signed between the Allies of World War 1 and Germany at Compiegne, France at 5 am, for the cessation of hostilities on the Western Front of World War 1, which took effect at eleven o’clock in the morning of the 11th day of the 11th Month of 1918.
We named all our parties as Monsoon, due to most everyone of them having major rain storms. But this year is a perfect end of summer day, with temperatures in the 80’s, with. bright sun shine.
Our host Cory and Maryjane Paulette and Chuck Clark put out a variety of food, Burgers, Dogs, Chicken, Steaks Tips, many appetizers of devil eggs, salad, beans, cheese and crackers, and so much more. We had enough deserts to feed 100 people, and all were so good.
Many if not all of the Beverly Vietnam Veterans came out for todays party, Bob and Beckey made the trip up from Florida. We had many invited guests who have worked with our veterans group over the year.
This is our official end of the year party and will now look forward to the fall and winter with many events planned.
We also welcomed a new member today, Ron Genest a Navy Veteran.
On Saturday September 7, 2019, which started out as a cool, and overcast day for the Annual Harbor Fest at Glover Wharf in Beverly. The sun came out just in time for a great afternoon. Many vendors, music and magic show for the kids, Beverly Dive Team, Coast Guard of the Beverly Vietnam Veterans. Many people came to our table and we had t shirts and sweatshirts for sale and a donation jug to help us with the continued fund raising for the new Vietnam Veterans Memorial at One Ellis Square. Many thanks to the Commander Chuck Clark, Cory Paulette, Greg Leonard and jerry Guilebbe for manning the table all day long. We were also interviewed by Beverly Cable access.
Scholarships were give to 4 students, 1 from Beverly High School ( Henrique Sousa, looking tom attend one of the following colleges, U Mass Boston, U Mass Lowell, U Mass Amherst, Merrimack or Endicott, excited by all schools.
Derek Brennan at North Shore Community College and will transfer to Salem State University.
Krystal Leach, attending North Shore Community College and will stay attending Radiology Tech Program.
Brian Davenport, at North Shore Community College and will transfer to Endicott this fall.
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL WHO RECEIVED THERE SCHOLARSHIPS
