Events-Gathering-6

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Darrtown "paver gathering" attracts nearly 50 people

The names of 48 people (listed below) were recorded on the registration sheets, when the Darrtown Bicentennial Steering Committee hosted a "Paver Gathering" in the the social room of the Darrtown Methodist church Sunday afternoon, October 6, 2013.

Originally, this event was scheduled to be held in the village square, where attendees could view the newly installed pavers and celebrate the progress of the project.

However, heavy rains fell Saturday night and throughout Sunday morning, leading up to the announced 2 PM start time. The inclement weather conditions convinced event organizers that the meeting should be held indoors.

Happily, the outdoor wet conditions did not dampen the spirit and enthusiasm of those who assembled inside the Methodist Church social room.

At approximately 2:15 PM, Ron Wiley, chairman of the Darrtown Bicentennial Steering Committee, began the session by welcoming everyone. Ron then introduced John DeVore, of DeVore Land and Gardens, and John presented a brief explanation of the plans for landscaping the Milford Township Memorial Park, which is the name being given to the two west quadrants of Darrtown’s village square.

LEFT:

Ron Wiley and John DeVore with a sketch of the village square landscaping plan.

Ron then introduced Dale Bufler, who provided background information about the Veterans’ Memorial that the Bicentennial Committee has planned for the Memorial Park. Dale announced that the shape/design of the veterans’ monument, which will be located in the northwest quadrant of the village square, will be similar to the Walter Alston monument that now stands in the southwest quadrant of the village square.

LEFT:

Dale Bufler is shown in this image, as he fields a question from an audience member.

Dale explained that the inscription that will appear on the Veterans Monument in Darrtown's village square is one that he adapted from the inscription that appears on the Lincoln monument. The idea of adapting the Lincoln inscription occurred to Dale during a recent visit to our nation's capitol, when he participated in the "Honor Flight" program.

The inscription on the Lincoln Monument

The inscription on the Darrtown Veterans' Monument

"IN THIS TEMPLE, AS IN THE HEARTS OF THE PEOPLE FOR WHOM HE SAVED THE UNION, THE MEMORY OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN IS ENSHRINED FOREVER."

ON THIS SITE, AS IN THE HEARTS OF THE PEOPLE FOR WHOM THEY SAVED THE NATION, THE MEMORY OF OUR VETERANS IS ENSHRINED FOREVER

After explaining the inscription planned for the Veterans' monument, Dale Bufler, continued his remarks by relating his understanding of how the renown World War II, "Kilroy" character originated.

Dale's version of the Kilroy saga portrayed a soldier who, after finishing latrine duty, decided to install a bit of graffiti that would, unbeknowst to him at the time, become famous throughout the world. After providing the background on the well-known Kilroy image, Dale informed the audience that he thought it appropriate to include the Kilroy caricature on the backside of the Veterans' Monument, in Darrtown's village square.

Fred, while revealing a paver to Dale and the audience that displayed the Kilroy caricature, explained that the Bicentennial Steering Committee (without Dale's knowledge) voted to place the Kilroy paver in the northwest plaza, near the veterans monument - in recognition of (1) the impact that the Kilroy image had on military service personnel through the years and (2) Dale's fondness of the Kilroy legend.

Famed WWII "Kilroy" character makes a surprise appearance

At that point, Ron Wiley interrupted Dale and offered several positive comments regarding Dale's many years of service to the community and country.

Ron then introduced Fred Lindley.

More images from October 6, 2016 "Gathering"