HomeMy WebLinkAbout1974-02-28-TCC-min.pdf w c TOWN CELEBRATIONS COMMITTEE
February 28, 1974
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PRESENT Chinn, Barnes Mr, Gaughan, Mrs. Litchfield, Mr Fitzgerald, Mr. Lord,
Mrs, Mitchell
Chief Marshal Leahy, Chief Marshal's Aide James Broderick, Chief of
Staff Edward Turner, Aides to the Chief of Staff Francis Mcilamara,Jr,
and Richard Geoli,
Mr, Robert Path_ (Bicentennial); Mr, Kingston Howard, Chmn, LBC
MINUTES of February 21, 1974, Correct date et requested joint TCG-LBC meeting is
Wednesday, Mazy 1,
PARADE STAFF MEETING. Charm, Barnes welcomed the parade staff members present
and led a review of many aspects of the 1973 afternoon parade, All agreed that
the assembly areae and routing were satisfactory but much concern was expressed
regarding parade pace and progress. Despite assurances to the contrary, the
Army's Old Guard marched very slowly and would not increase speed, even upon
direct request from parade staff
Large gaps in the line of march and delays, especially along Marrett Road,
were discussed in depth. It was agreed that a far clearer delineation of res—
ponsibilities of parade staff, traffic controllers, and leaders of individual
units is required for 1974 Improvement in communications between all with
responsibilities during the time the parade is in progress is imperative. A
pre-parade briefing must be held and attendance should be insisted upon, Chmn.
Barnes suggested that April 6, 1974, would be a suitable time for this meeting,
(—) Mr, Broderick noted that a final briefing for unit leaders, held in the assembly
area just prior to step--off time, would give division marshals another opportunity
to remind participants of parade orders concerning intervals, forward movement,
and cadence. The only allowable pause is that 3 minute stop which is tradi .ionally
made to allow the Chief Marshal to mount the reviewing stand; there was some
question as to whether or not this Woburn Street stop is actually necessary,
Chmn. Barnes noted that the TCC was most fortunate in being able to have
highly qualified inuividuals who were willing to serve as parade staff; indivi—
duals who certainly could put the parade together without any instructions from
the committee. However he asked if the TCC should prepare written instructions
for use in future years, It was agreed that such material, outlining both ex—
pectations and invitations, would be most helpful,
Chief Marshal Leahy suggested that it would be well for the parade staff to
meet separately (but at the same time and in the same location) from the TOC
in order to concentrate their attention on details of parade management. The
first separate Staff meeting will be held on Thursday, March 14, 1974,
CORRESPONDENCE Kra. Litchfield reported that our 1974 parade date conflicts
with the Easter recess at Norwich University; both this conflict and the gas—
oline shortage make it impossible for the cadets to accept our invitation this
year,
The Lexington Rainbow Girls plan to participate in both morning and after—
noon parades,
The JROTC unit of Woburn High School would like to march in the afternoon;
there has been no word from Woburn or Billerica,
ca„) According to the public relations office at Hanscom Field, there is no
military band at Pease AIB; the only Air Force band in the area is at Maguire
AFB in New York; this band has an engagement on Patriots Day,
MAR G 1974
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Town Celebrations Committee = Minutes, February 28. 1974 Page 2
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Mr Tarlin reported that he had been contacted by Col Harrington at Ft
Devens regarding the availability of the Old Guard in 1974, Ohm. Barnes will •
contact Co]., Harrington to discuss the problems experienced in 1973 before the
TCC makes any decision regarding this unit,
Malden Square and Compass,, a unit which marched quite regularly for some
years but has been unable to come recently, Les written to say that they would
like to march again this year.
Cbmn,Barnes read a letter from the Selectmen regarding dates for the 1974
Annual Town Meeting, The Thursday evening dates which they have voted, being
the 2 scheduled meetings of the TCC just prior to Patriots Day, pose some prob-
lems since both Mrs Mitchell and Mr. Fitzgerald and Town Meeting Members,
Chmn, Barnes also read a copy of a letter to the Selectmen from Mr. Mancini,
president of the Lexington Chamber of Commerce, regarding groups which meet at
the Visitor°s Center, The TCC agreed that we would be pleased to meet on the
first floor, to "keep an eye on the door,"
The chairman also read a letter from Town Manager O'Connell concerning the
proposed reenactment of the ride of Paul Revere at midnight in 1974 as a rehearsal
for the 1975 reenactment, as well as Mr. O' .onnell's concerns regarding the TCC
budget and finances. The committee discussed aspects of the proposed reenactment
and Chmn. Barnes will contact the Town Manager, Mrs, Mitchell. had distributed
Patriots Day expense and invitation work sheets to TCC members present; however,
it was agreed that a full committee review of budget, invitations and check-
() list of members' responsibilities should be held at the meeting on March 7,
giving unite one more week to express any possible interest in parade participation,
PATRIOTS DAY N GENERAL
Chief Marshal Lerhy noted that there might well be Naval Reserve units in
the area which would respond favorably to a TCC parade invitation; normally, he
stated, men involved would be granted drill credit for participation and re-
payment of expenses might not be necessary, Chmn. Barnes requested that the
Chief Marshal investigate this possibility; Mrs, Litchfield will issue invita-
tions if there are groups which express interest,
Mr. Lord has made preliminary arrangements for rest rooms and custodial
help at the High School assembly area. Two custodians will be needed,
Mr. Fitzgerald has been contacted by the firm which has supplied busting to
decorate Town buildings, the reviewing stand, etc, The TCC will discuss this
on March 7 as the budget estimates are clarified.
It was agreed that Mrs. Litchfield should ask Mrs Moyle to cater the post-
parade reception again this year, noting that it will be held at Heritage Hall
Mrs, Mitchell noted that an interest in a possible float construction work-
shop has been expressed by members of the high school staff. She will consult
with Mr. Brenchick during the coming week.
Respectfully submitted,
Ruth Mitchell, Recording Secretary
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