Bronze statue of Malden Hero unveiled at Malden Memorial Day Ceremony

Special to The Advocate

Mayor Gary Christenson and Veterans Services Director Kevin Jarvis welcomed elected officials and the Malden community on Memorial Day at Bell Rock Memorial Park to honor the men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our Nation’s freedom. The Girl Scouts led all in the Pledge of Allegiance, and Malden High School student Natalie Keating sang the National Anthem. The Malden High School Band played a Military Medley, which was followed by “The Washington Post” march later in the ceremony.

Following remarks by Mayor Christenson and Guest Speaker Iraq and Afghan Veteran Emery Haskell, U.S. Navy Commander Ret., a life-size bronze statue was unveiled that will serve to honor all the men and women who served during World War II. The statue was created in the likeness of Malden’s William “Bill” Dempsey, a decorated World War II Veteran who passed away last summer before his 100th birthday. Bill was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for his extraordinary heroism, gallantry and valor while fighting against the Germans at Wurzburg, Germany.

The statue is located in front of the World War II Memorial, which was dedicated on June 10, 2010, to honor Malden’s World War II Veterans. The City of Malden has installed life-size bronze statues in honor of the following conflicts: World War I, Vietnam, Korea, Operation Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom and other military operations in support of the Global War on Terrorism.

Mayor Gary Christenson thanked Cemetery Director Chris Rosa and DPW Director Bobby Knox and their staff who worked tirelessly with Director Jarvis to complete the project in time for Memorial Day. The ceremony concluded with taps being played by Malden High School buglers Sean Retotal and Dennis Liu.