POW/MIA Memorial: Moving to More Accessible Waterfront Spot

By Carol Meyer


Plans are in the works to move the harborfront POW/MIA memorial and flagpole to a more prominent, accessible location on Whitney Wharf. 

Another reason for the move is expected future sea-level rise at its current location. Plans are underway to raise the height of Whitney Wharf and other town wharves to help address this issue.

"The flagpole will be privately funded," Director of Veterans' Services Keith Jermyn said. The Town of Hingham Veterans Benefit Fund is now accepting contributions of any size to help support the project.

We sometimes don't remember our fallen heroes and their contribution to our country. Stopping by the memorial site and making even a small donation toward the flagpole would be a good show of support.

The idea for the waterfront memorial came from Hingham Vietnam Veteran Robert F. Beal, Jr. The flagpole was erected and dedicated on Flag Day -- June 14 -- 1986. The Massachusetts state flag was a gift from the State Veterans Commission, and the POW/MIA flag was donated by the father of MIA Joseph Dunn of Hull. 

The inscription on the engraved plaque, donated by Hingham residents Jane and Jerry Goldberg, reads in part:  "With the continued support of the citizens of Hingham, these flags will continue to fly 24 hours a day until the complete disposition of all POW/MIAs is resolved. Brothers, you are not forgotten."

Have you ever seen the memorial and the flags or visited Whitney Wharf? There's still plenty of time to do so this summer. The last day of summer isn't until Sept. 22!