Losing your life under military service is often regarded as “the ultimate sacrifice”, but sadly the heroes who pass on while serving their country are quickly forgotten. Master Sgt. Gregory R. Trent, died August 8, 2012, at 38 years of age. The Norton Gold Star Committee stepped up, determined not to have this great man's legacy lost to time, like so many others.
Gregory Trent was a long time Norton resident, graduating from Norton High School in 1992. Shortly after, he pledged his service to the United States Army and would serve a total of 5 deployments before suffering wounds from small-arms fire in Baktabad, Afghanistan. After hearing about MSG Gregory R. Trent's death, several citizens in Norton banded together to form the Norton Gold Star Committee. The goal of this group was to raise money in order to build a memorial, honoring Trent and any other heroes from Norton who lose their lives in future conflicts.
Several fundraisers allowed the committee to reach its lofty goal of $75,000 in time for the dedication of the memorial. Local businesses that were able to make the the fundraisers successful include Alberto's, Swirling Vine, Roche Bros, North Easton Savings Bank and Bertucci's, each playing a different part in the process of raising money. The memorial was officially dedicated May 27, 2013.
Raising such a large amount of money in a short amount of time certainly wasn't a cakewalk. Donna Ross, treasurer of the Gold Star Committee, mentioned the most difficult part of the fund-raising was, “Getting the word out. Difficulties in communication, I think, was the hardest part of the process. Word of mouth proved invaluable.”
You can see the completed memorial today next to CVS Pharmacy on West Main Street.
I really love how you start out - this really is true. I'm glad that your town was able to get a memorial for its hero, and I think more towns should follow this example.
ReplyDeleteI think this is a great blog and an amazing article.
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