LACONIA — Monsignor Sliney Assembly 628 along with Laconia Council 428 of the Knights of Columbus will dedicate a monument complete with a 25-foot flagpole in honor of the brothers and sisters who gave their lives defending the country throughout the years on Friday, Oct. 23.
The dedicated will be lead by Ron Keys, faithful navigator of the local assembly, as well as Kepler Padilla, current grand knight, and David Karl, Color Corp. commander of the 4th degree and past grand knight. Scheduled to attend is the State Deputy of the Knights of Columbus Mark Messier.
Leading the ceremony will be Monsignor Gerald Belanger, chaplain of the 4th Degree and Father Marc Drouin, chaplain of Laconia Council 428 and pastor of S. Andre Bessette Parish.
Mayor Mike Bordes and Laconia Police Chief Matthew Canfield have been invited to attend and speak.
Huasta House of Hope, the ministry of the council, spearheaded the driver to erect the monument, along with Laconia Monument, who has donated the headstone, and VFW Post 1670 donated toward the construction.
In January 2021, the 4th Degree of the Knights of Columbus, after surveying the area, determined a need for veterans to have access to the many benefits the Veterans Association had to offer. Based on this, the Assembly created "Holy Spirit Disabled Veterans Services," a not-for-profit corporation whose aim was to bring speakers and representatives from the different organizations including the VA to speak and help the men and women who served and were in need of assistance.
To do this, the Knights have developed the Friday Donut and Coffee gathering, which has met every Friday, weather permitting, at the council hall located at 314 S. Main St. in Laconia. The program is non-denominational and open to all in need free of charge.
After the dedication ceremony, refreshments will be served. All are invited to attend. Those who are able are encouraged to wear their military uniform.
For more information, email kofccouncil428@gmail.com, or call 603-409-6051.
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