Post 312 Rolls Out Plans for New Veterans Pavilion

Year after year when veterans gather in South Attleboro to honor those who have served their country, they and the community never have enough space or places to sit during the ceremony. That, and they sometimes get rained on. 

A group of Attleboro residents hope to change that by adding an octagon-shaped pavilion to the park by, but they need the community's help to make it happen.

American Legion Post 312 has joined together with other veterans and community organizations to erect the Veterans Memorial Pavilion and a remembrance wall at the park for the public's enjoyment. 

"We had a memorial day activity planned there and we had the property taken care of, a band playing on a flatbed, but it poured on us," said Paul Pouliot, American Legion Post 312 Commander.

It was day when Pouliot, wet from the rain, thought of the idea for a pavilion. He took his idea to Director of Veterans' Services, Carl Bradshaw and it has been in process ever since.

The idea is to build a pavilion and locate it somewhere between the baseball and football fields at the park. The pavilion would also provide the community with a venue from which to watch games and enjoy events. 

"I envision having fundraisers to bring in a band down there and people can bring lawn chairs like they do at " Pouliot said. 

Donations in Every Form

The committee has launched a website, designed the memorial and now they are seeking donations in every form to make their vision a reality. The plan is to have it ready for a ceremonial ribbon cutting by Veteran's Day, November 11, 2012.

The group has already collected $24,000 of the approximate $100,000 needed for the effort. , located on Bacon Street in Attleboro, has donated $20,000 to the effort. Contributors David and Ray Bourque are challenging others to match or join in an effort to match their donation. There are several levels of donations including:

• Vice Admiral Naming Rights: Eight sponsorships available for companies wishing to have a sign on the inside of the pavilion.  
• Colonel Level Contributor: Four donor opportunities available for companies wishing to have their business name adorn a bench in the gardens adjacent to the pavilion. 
• Non-Commissioned Officer Corps Donator: Nine donor opportunities available for companies wishing to have placards with their company name on a pavilion sign. 

Pouliot, Bradshaw and Al Viau, an Attleboro resident, make up the executive committee.

The steering committee, which includes Ronald Churchill, Gary Middleton, Phil Audette, Tom Byrnes, Tom Dowling, Bill Bowie and City Councilors Richard Conti, Cherie Felos and Mark Cooper, has been tasked with additional responsibilities. 

Brick by Brick

Brick by brick, the group plans to build the remembrance wall. The wall will include bricks donated by members of the community who want to honor a veteran or a loved one. Families can purchase a brick with up to three lines engraved on it for $150 or a paver with up to six lines for $250, according to Bradshaw. 

The wall is slated to semi-wrap the walkway around the pavilion. Organizers envision it to be four to five feet high. 

Additionally, the group plans to relocate the two existing memorials and flags, currently located by the road, closer to the pavilion and away from Route 1. 

While some businesses have already stepped forward to donate their time and money to the cause, the group still has a long way to go and encourage anyone interested in helping to visit their website or call one of the many members of the committee.