"American Legion Memorial Circle" Involved In 2020 Plans

December 4, 2014

………………………………….MIDDLEBORO: - The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Transportation-

Highway Division conducted a public informational meeting at John T. Nichols, Jr., Middle

School on Thursday, December 4, 2014, which possibly could have a major impact on the American

Legion at the intersection of Routes 44/28 and 18 in Middleboro.

……… (Legion Historical Notes: Readers please see 9 April 1962 and 14 November 1991 in this

Centennial Celebration website for reference.)

………Billed as an “improvement” project for the vehicular bottleneck, the plans call for the

improvements to possibly start in 2020.

……..Impact to the American Legion Memorial Circle, which was dedicated to veterans and signed

into law on April 9, 1962 by then Governor John A. Volpe, appears to be minimal, according to

James J. Cerbone, project manager-environmental services for the Highway Division.

………Past Commander of Simeon L. Nickerson Post 64 Don Triner and Historian Bob Lessard met with Mr.

Cerbone before the meeting. He assured the two Legionnaires that the Post will be advised of

all aspects of the plans and possible impact on the memorial. And, further, the Post will have

input into any design changes.

………Post 64 maintains a flagpole on the rotary, which flies casket flags of local deceased

veterans for a minimum of 30 days. The state maintains the property including the lighting

structures at the flag for night flying.

…………. At the conclusion of the State’s presentation, there was a citizen question and answer

period. Historian Lessard questioned Mr. Cerbone on several aspects of the plans.

…………Lessard then read from a letter dated 14 November 1991, written by then Simeon L.

Nickerson Post 64 Commander Clifford E. Hall and co-signed by John T. Gilfoy, President of

Post 64’s Memorial Association. That 1991 letter included a copy of Chapter 325, which

Governor Volpe signed into law, which designated the rotary the “American Legion Memorial

Circle.”

………..The letter called into question the possible negative impacts involved with planned 1991

construction project of a double barreled Route 44 into the rotary. The Route 44 doubled

barrel work near the rotary never occurred. And, the current 2014 improvement plans call

for “flyover” roadways over the rotary.

…….………. Mr. Cerbone explained that State officials are aware of concerns of the Legion

members. He explained that the Highway Division is “aware of the need to incorporate into the

rotary re-design and that it may be enhanced with plantings and benches after being moved to a

more accessible location.
………….. He repeated that the Legion members will have a voice in the plans.
..............(Posted by Bob Lessard Historian 2014)