New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
For 48 years the “Lights for Peace” flag flew above the Old Glory Tower in the North End of New Bedford, through the efforts of the late Joseph Theodore, WWII veteran and Purple Heart recipient along with the late David Bancroft, former owner of the fire tower. Due to the deterioration of the tower, the month of December 2018 was the final month the flag was flown to honor a local veteran, but beginning September 8th, the “Lights for Peace” flag will begin to fly at the Fort Taber – Fort Rodman Military Museum, beginning a new tradition.
A ceremony will be held Sunday, Sept. 8th at 1pm at the Fort Taber – Fort Rodman Military Museum. Joseph Langlois, President of the Fort Taber – Fort Rodman Military Museum, expressed his enthusiasm for the new location for the “Lights for Peace” flag. “It is a distinct honor to be able to host each month the flag which honors those area citizens who have honorably served our country.”
Through the efforts of Mr. Theodore, the City of New Bedford was the first to fly our nation’s flag from dusk to dawn, 24 hours a day with the “Lights for Peace” flag shining on her. The flag was first flown at the New Bedford City Hall and the second flag flew at the Old Glory Tower. Following the City’s lead, a flag was illuminated and flown at the Statehouse. In 1972, President Nixon proclaimed that a flag was to fly atop the White House and from every customs port of entry in the country.
A total of 553 flags have been flown atop the Old Glory Tower to honor local veterans over the past 48 years. During the month of September, we begin a new tradition with the 1st flag to fly at the Fort Taber – Fort Rodman Military Museum to honor the memory of Normand Chartier, a WWII veteran of the United States Army. Chartier served as a docent (guide & educator) at the Fort Taber – Fort Rodman Military Museum, so it is only fitting that he be the first honoree for the flag in memory of.
