Rising to the occasion

Rising to the occasion
By Andrea Gregory

George Washington tilted his head. The puddle of water that had collected inside the brim of his tri-corner hat poured out in a stream. The rain showed no sign of letting up, but Acting Police Chief Robert R. Bradley stayed in character.
  From up on his horse, Bradley said he has been playing the role of our country’s first president for seven years. Every New Year’s Day he saddles up his 19-year-old Wisperwon Mr. America, his beloved horse, and rides from city hall to Prospect Hill Park. It’s tradition and it is an important piece of Somerville’s history, he said from his post.

  “This was the first time an American flag was ever flown in defiance of a foe,” he said. On Jan. 1, 1776 during the Revolutionary War, Gen. Washington raised the first Grand Union Flag. The flag represented the original 13 colonies. The act 231 years ago was a sign that the 13 colonies were on their way from breaking away from British rule.
  “So that’s the history of Prospect Hill,” he said, waiting for his main part in the event. Then came his cue. The crowed of about 50 people waited for Washington to ride up and order the flag be raised on the top of Prospect Hill. Dressed from head to toe, including the curly white wig, Bradley gave the orders and stood by to make sure they were carried out.
  Bradley could see several of the young children looking on in awe. A few of them pointed with excitement as he road up.
  “You try to give kids a sense of history,” he said.
  But it was more than just the children enjoying the mid-day celebration. Many of the onlookers also dressed in clothing from the period. The idea was to celebrate a historic day. The reenactment, as it is every year, was open to the public.
  Harris Gruman stood close to his daughter sharing an umbrella. Harris said it was his first time coming to the New Year’s Day event. He came dressed like he had just stepped out of the 1700s.
  “It feels like a historic place for my family and for the country,” he said.
  His daughter, Anna Gruman, 11, was also decked out in attire appropriate for more than two decades ago. Anna smiled from under her bonnet and said the rain wasn’t an issue.
  “I think it’s a great (event). They should do more things like this,” said Anna.
  “I ditto that,” her father said.
  Brandon Wilson, executive director of the Historic Preservation Commission, said she has been working on making the event more popular in recent years. She said it is a great way for children to learn about how Somerville fits into American history. It is also a way for people to come together as a community.
  It was shortly after noon when the flag was raised to the top of the tower in Prospect Hill Park. After it was secured, the tower was opened up to the public, where small groups were given the chance to climb the iron stare cases to the top and see the real view from Prospect Hill. The tower, built in 1909, is usually closed to the public. However, last year, the tower also was opened up on New Year’s Day.
  Before the line started forming at the tower and people dressed like it was 1776 started fleeing for shelter, the crowed all stood together. Everyone’s eyes were focused on the old American flag, soaring in a cloudy sky. Their voice raised and joined together, in singing “America the Beautiful.”

Comments

[City Hall Nose]

Well, if I didn’t see it with my own eyes I would still have believed it if Newmie said there was barely over 70 people in the Chambers, while he stuffed his scrawny little body with food. It was free food for all and Newmie never misses a freebee.

Monday evening in the Aldermanic Chambers was like a ghost town compared to other mid-term Inaugurals. There was so much food left over you could have frozen the food and used it for the Elderly picnic in August. Seems a lot of invitations were released but not that many came to attend. Disappointing to Joey Cakes was an understatement at best. If City Hall, DPW, T&P and a hand full of SPCD personnel were not there, Joe would have been talking to the walls.

Maybe the recent striking of oil kept most away but I doubt it. There was a lack luster of festivities sighted on the second floor last evening. Could this be a sign of things to come maybe for this Administration? Could the lights be dimming faster than Joe cares for? I bet with the recent turnout for the ill fated event there were some in that small crowd that are counting on one hand the next candidate totals for electing a new Mayor. Could it be Glines, Mackey, White, Lafuente, Jahlen or even John Doe contending for the top seat?

Come one, Come All to a free feast this afternoon for lunch. Chicken, seafood and tuna finger sandwiches will be available as long as you provide the doggy bag. Also available will be wine of your choice as long as you don’t mind it being a bit flat.

[Johnny Protester]

thats why there were no "informational picketers" yesterday. We knew nobody was going !!

[New Year's Day]

Come on, the reason there was no one there is that it was held on January 1st. Usually its the 2nd or 3rd. No one wants to go out to a formal event the night after New Year's Eve. It was probably held the 1st so as to not conflict with the Governor's inaugural.

[Its]

Well I guess the magot oops sorry the midget did shrink he had a hard time to pee I hear and Joey baby had how many to hear the lies and bull sh*t on the state of the city nobody should run and the mess will get deeper and deeper and the money browner from the paper bags.

[question]

It was held last night because the city charter requires it to be held on the first monday in January.

[Ron Newman]

I was nowhere near City Hall last night. I was in Dorchester. Either "City Hall Nose" wasn't there either, or he has no idea what I look like.

[City Hall Nose]

Sorry Newmie, I saw a dude with glasses on, by the food trough with his right pant leg taped tight around his lower leg, a streamline bicycle helmet on and presumed that was you shoveling down the finger sandwiches. It sure sounded like you with what others have said on the blog.

I must have been mistaken.

[tenfingers]

did joe have to give the midget 10 fingers to get up on his horse.

[City Hall Nose]

Ahoy there, Boy this is one fine day here on the Hill. I am glad I am on the first floor and not on the second floor, which by the way was almost rescued by "The Naughty Girl" this morning.

Seems City Hall sprung a leak, or should I say several leaks today when we came to work. The Mayor's Office got a little damp, but don't worry, they saved the HD Plasma and also the Aldermanic Chambers started to peel away.

The Skipper got the call and tore off the mooring to save the day.

This place is like fantasyland, oil in the backyard and water leaks in the front of the house. What’s next? Snow in the forcast??? (:>)

All Aboard!!!!

[Mr Ed]

Hello Somerville Readers of the News
I am not sure who was riding me yesterday Paul Revere or George Washingington. I know this for sure it wasn't you Wilbur.
Mr Ed

[sweeper]

three questions

1. where was lieut. blinkey,
2. where was lieut loud mouth,
3. joe, what did you do with all the left over food.

[brickbottom]

Look at the above fool on the horse that at this point in time represents this city as the top law enforcement person and see if he meets the below definition of Professionalism:

"Professionalism means carrying oneself in a manner that exudes authority and control, or taking responsibility for one's actions, or being dependable and conscientious, or being knowledgeable about laws, policies, procedures and regulations. In fact, professionalism in policing includes all of these attributes.

Professionalism, by definition, involves belonging to a profession and behaving in a way that is consistent with professional standards. A profession is an occupation that requires extensive training and the study and mastery of specialized knowledge. It usually requires accreditation, certification, or licensing. It has a specific code of ethics, and it holds members accountable.

Professionalism also means having an internal set of standards of performance and behavior. Professionals aspire to high ideals: altruism; honor and integrity; respect; excellence and scholarship; caring, compassion, and communication; leadership; and responsibility and accountability."

All this Napoleon complexed cartoon character exudes is buffoonery!!!!! The above picture says it all!