Wilmington: A Town of Patriotism

By: Sam Pitzi and Julia Gake

Flyer for Ipods for Wounded Veterans

Wilmington is a small town with a lot of patriotism. Wilmington High School and the Wilmington community as a whole always shows support for the United States and the armed forces that protect them. In Wilmington, it is clear that living in our country is something to be proud of. With over the top Fourth of July celebrations planned in a building dedicated solely to the Fourth of July and supply drives for veterans being run in Wilmington High School itself, every citizen of Wilmington and every member of Wilmington High School feels involved and connected to their community and the country as a whole.

Sign for Private Cullen Maroney

Wilmington is full of patriotism and is always sure to support those from the community in the military. Whenever a citizen of Wilmington who is serving their company comes home, there is a “Welcome Home” sign put up on the town common with the service member’s name. This can be seen by anyone who happens to be driving through town and is appreciated by both the service members and their families. The town common also features two memorials, one to all those from Wilmington who have served in any war and one to those from Wilmington who served in the Battle of Lexington and Concord during the Revolutionary War.

Monument to the Battle of Lexington
and Concord

These monuments are something that the people hold near and dear to their hearts, and are always well maintained.

Wilmington Monument

9/11 Memorial

A unique feature of Wilmington High School is the 9/11 Memorial in the courtyard. The memorial was a student driven project intended to make sure the students of Wilmington High School never forget the tragic events that occurred or the lives lost on September 11, 2001. After over four years of designing, fundraising, and drawing blue prints for the memorial it finally became a success when it was placed in our town’s new high school in 2015. This project was not only a project of Wilmington High School students, but was also supported by other members of the Wilmington community as they were willing to attend fundraisers to help support its creation. In some communities, people may not have wanted to support a memorial, but in Wilmington, people were happy to help to make sure 9/11 was remembered. The building of this memorial shows how Wilmington supports not only its own community but all people in the United States.

Wilmington Through It's People

Sean Collier Dedication Playground

  One thing I love about Wilmington, Massachusetts is how well the community comes together to help improve the town. The residents here work with each other through every high and low. They often turn sorrowful events into a sincere memory. Sean Collier, a member of the Wilmington community, was in the process of becoming a police officer. On the days following the Boston Marathon bombing, Sean Collier was working at MIT, when the bombers came and attacked, resulting in his death. Instead of leaving the event as a tragedy, a playground at Silver Lake was built by the people and dedicated to him in his memory. The children in the area now have a new place to play, and Sean Collier will never be forgotten.

Bernie's 50th Birthday party

   Another well known resident of Wilmington community contributes a great example of town pride. Bernie McNally has been a huge part of Wilmington for 20 years. Dedicating his time to service the town by running the Playground Program, run through the Wilmington Rec Department. A great man with a big heart, the town was incredibly sad to hear that he's been battling a brain tumor, and told there was nothing more that can be done. At a town meeting, Bernie officially received the title of "Mr. Wilmington" in April during a board of selectman meeting. The people of Wilmington also put together a big birthday party for him. The party was well attended by Bernie's friends and family. The town agreed Bernie deserves all of it, and much more. (picture

Veteran Memorial located in the common

from Wicked Local Staff Photo/ Sam Goresh)

   Wilmington is very committed to all of their soldiers and veterans. Every year they have a parade on Memorial day. The high school band participates in this, along with the Shriner's circus, girl scouts and boy scouts, and many other groups and organizations. The town common also has a memorial next to the flag where there is a ceremony every veterans day. Alongside the memorial, Wilmington continuously welcomes resident troops returning from war with personal signs.

The Wilmington Community and its Pride of its Soldiers

The Wilmington Community and its Pride of its Soldiers 

By Jocelyn Ferraro 

     Wilmington is a small town that is about 20 minutes north of Boston. It has a plaza and many Dunkin Donuts and pizza places. There are quite a few churches in town and two train stations to get the commuters to and from their jobs in Boston. The newest building in town happens to be the High School. The old one was about 66 years old as it was built in 1950. But even before then, Wilmington had a strong connection to and appreciation for soldiers who fought for the country. All around town and even in the High school, there are monuments dedicated  to the veterans who served and the Prisoners of War (POW's) and the Missing in Action (MIA's).   

Veterans Monument at Town Common

     In the cemetery, there are gravestones in the shape of a cross with a red, white, and blue flower wreath on it to distinguish those who served the country in the Vietnam War, World War I and II, and other wars who lived in Wilmington. And every Memorial Day, there is a parade and those who died are publicly recognized at the end. It's a whole production. The whole town comes out, the cannons are fired, the Marching Band plays, and people speak. It lasts about an hour. I am in the Colorguard, so I am required to be there, but over the years, I have come to appreciate this event and I have seen it bring awareness to others and also bring people together. 

Far shot of the Revolutionary War (Minutemen)  Headstone

Close shot of  the Revolutionary War (Minutemen) Headstone

     I am also a part of the Local Heroes Club, and we do a lot for the veterans. We make them snowflakes, send them holiday cards, ribbons, and teddy bears, write them letters, and send the soldiers necessary supplies and fun goodies. Being a part of this club is enjoyable because I know that I am helping those men and women who sacrificed everything for us, and that makes me feel good. But we also try to get the school and community involved and there has always been overwhelming support. That just shows how grateful the town of Wilmington is towards its soldiers who are serving or who have served. We take pride in them and are grateful for them, and we show that with our many memorials, traditions, and actions.

   

Wilmington's Community

The new Wilmington high school which we moved into last February.

Wilmington, Massachusetts is a small town just 20 minutes north of the city of Boston, which was established in 1730 with 22,325 people living in the town. With all the monuments, memorials and community events the essence of a close knit community is captured. Wilmington has been known for its patriotism and supporting people when they need it. In 2015, we made a transition into a brand new high school which was much needed change. The new school provides more opportunities for students and a safe learning environment.

Located in the common, is one of the few veterans memorials. 

In Wilmington, we celebrate our veterans returning and getting donations to help them not only while they’re serving our country, but after. With the Local Heroes club, they do a lot to help to raise money and supplies for the soldiers. In the common across from the high school, there are memorials such as the Prisoners of War monument and Missing in Action, remembering those who fought for our country.

Growing up in Wilmington, sports are a major part of the community. In the town newspaper, they congratulate athletes and teams that should be recognized for their accomplishments. During sporting events, there is usually a strong fan section especially during the hockey season. It just shows how the students of Wilmington High support and represent their town.

In the main office the town crier for some of the sports teams are hung up congratulating them.

Makenna Munro

Kelly McConologue

Wilmington MA: Always Growing Always Changing

20 minutes outside Boston sits Wilmington MA, settled in 1665. Since then it has evolved into a modern day, suburban community complete with a mix of residential, commercial and industrial districts. It serves as a home to roughly 21,000 people and has been rank #9 on the list of 'Happiest Places in Massachusetts.' But the town is much more than some buildings and stats. Wilmington is a close knit community that constantly changing and growing. The people who live here have a
strong sense of pride to their town and a strong bond. Like my family, many families have lived in Wilmington over multiple generations. My grandfather moved here in 1966 and raised my dad and two aunts. My dad stayed in Wilmington to raise me. Both my dad and I have gone through the Wilmington Public School system as well as a few of my cousins on my mom's side of the family. Even though I can't wait to finish school and move to New York City, I know I'll miss my town and I will never be able to resist a visit home every once in a while.

You can witness the ever changing aspect of Wilmington in small things like a new store at the plaza, some new houses getting built down the street or a new kid at school. A bigger change that has been evident for the past few years is the new high school. In 2013 we got permission to construct a new high school. As a student who experienced both the new and old school, I can say it was greatly needed and appreciated. The old school was old when my dad attended high school and it went through many renovations during his high school career. During my freshman and sophomore years we didn't have a gym because it was torn down to make room for the new high school. The new school building was built alongside the old one. We got to watch the whole building being built right outside or classroom windows. On demolition day the whole school got a front row seat to the action. 

"The essence of Wilmington is captured
in the spirit of its people"
- Michael A. Caira

When it was finally time to move into the new and say good-bye to the old almost everyone took a little piece of the old building with them. The drama club pulled a seat from our theater to put into the new auditorium. Teachers took the number plaques from their room doors. I was fortunate enough to get a brick from the old building that now sits on my book shelf amid other Wilmington memorabilia.

Although we were all a little sad to leave the school we had started our high school experience in (and close the courtyard for the final time,) we couldn't wait to get into the new building. After spending two years in the heat-less, wifi-less, smelly old building with chipping paint and major water damage the shiny new school with freshly painted walls, heated and air-conditioned rooms and full wifi coverage was greatly appreciated. The tiles lacked cracks, the seats lacked gum stuck to the bottoms and the cafeteria had yet to contract that special smell that all school lunch rooms get. 

Indoor track above the gym

The new building also had a much more modern look that fit with the new student population that had moved into it. Brightly colored walls and large windows that looked into the hallway opened up the building and filled it with light. Larger classrooms and better equipment provided a more interesting and comfortable place to learn. The new building has a more open and cheery feel that the old building just couldn't have managed. Inspirational and cheery quotes covers the hallway walls and colorful club posters litter the white boards hung around the building. we enjoyed the first few days that we were given to explore the new building. Things like the new indoor track above the gym and the courtyard off the lunch room we much more impressive in person. New things that we had never had like 'break out room' were exciting to use. Having our own space to break off from class and go to and do independent work is greatly appreciated. 

Walking through the courtyard 

Another example of our towns constant change, the annual Fourth of July celebration. Because the new football field outside the school is a turf field (fake grass) instead of actual grass, we can no longer shoot off the annual 'Fun on the Fourth' Fourth of July fireworks that accompany the carnival. Every since I can remember I've gone to the carnival held outside the school and watched the fireworks from the common (or the actual field they shoot them off from, if your dad knows a guy.) The carnival was downsized and moved to the Shriner's Auditorium to accommodate construction but now that everything is finished and settled, the town wants it patriotic celebration back.

From a large metal frame, to walls of brick and tiled floors, we got to watch our future academic home grow with us.  As a soon to be senior in the new building, I am much different than the freshman I entered the old building as. As I've grown and changed, so has the school.

Community Revealed

   Wilmington is a town built on pride and swank. We like to show off what have in town because that is just how people are around here. Its a community based on sports, townies (people have lived here there whole lives) , and traditions. On the sports side of the town you have team activities like banquets and team dinners. Everyone gets to know each other so that is why every team respects one another. I use to be a former member of the varsity track team and will always remember being on the team. I liked that we had the team breakfast after vacation practices ( not always ) and the meets like the state relays or the winter festival. Although we lost our idol and coach Frank Kelley we still finished the season 3rd in the division and the girls won league champions. My favorite part about being on the team was that you never felt alone. You are always running together and pushing each other to beat times and personal bests. Even if you felt like you should give up or couldn't make it someone was there to push forward. I give credits to all captains ( over all past 4 years ) because they definitely fit the description of a leader. I am truly going miss being on time and the chants on the bus after a win.

In regards to the town its nice to live here because of the location and whats around it. Although some think they are better then others most us know we are equal. For the locations there is a lot of cool spots you can go that are in or near Wilmington. The resivor is on the Wilmington and Woburn line which is very relaxing walk ( or what ever you want to do). Other spots near by are views like skyline park, Catamount rd in the town over.

My grandmother lived here before the 1950's and my dad grew up in the same house as i did which he now owns. I now understand why it means a lot to me and why I call it Home.

Meghan's Marvelous Community

Welcome to the heart of Wilmington, Massachusetts: the town common.

War Memorial

As you walk through the town common, you will notice the various memorials. Wilmington honors veterans every day with this display. The Veteran's Day ceremony occurs every year right here in front of this memorial. On Memorial Day, the parade also honors veterans. There is a ceremony on Memorial Day at the cemetery to honor the lives lost in wars. Wilmington takes pride in honoring its veterans and remembering what these people do for our town and our country. Wilmington lives by the idea that Memorial Day and Veteran's Day aren't the only times to remember and honor veterans; veterans should be honored every single day. 

Across the street, you see the brand new high school.

Wilmington High School

You are not impressed with the brick exterior, but at least it isn't falling apart like the old high school. In this school, technology is the big hype. Students are constantly typing on Chromebooks and playing review games on their phones. Teachers are incorporating more and more technology, and starting next year, students will have to own their own Chromebook. Times have changed, and students and teachers are all adapting to the changes. The new Wilmington High School will be able to keep up with the constantly changing world. 

Town Gazebo

You turn around on the common, and you see the gazebo. Many town concerts have been held there, and plenty of fourth of July celebrations take place right where you're standing. People come together around the gazebo to listen to music and enjoy each other's company. Wilmington is not just a place; it is a community where people celebrate together and offer each other a helping hand. 

Although it may not be the most extravagant town you've ever seen, you feel a sense of belonging in Wilmington, and you appreciate the many different aspects of this community that make it great.