New Hampshire Rededicates Lincoln Brigade Plaque, 25 Years Later
Photo Arnie Alpert
A quarter century after being commissioned, a plaque dedicated to the New Hampshire Volunteers of the Lincoln Brigade was finally unveiled in a joyous celebration on Sunday, July 13 in Albany, NH. Initially commissioned in 2000 to be displayed in the New Hampshire statehouse, its unveiling was blocked by backlash from rightwing legislators. Thanks to former NH state senator and ALBA Board Member Burt Cohen, the World Fellowship Center now hosts the plaque.
The rededication ceremony was well attended. Dan and Molly Watt performed selections from their moving play George and Ruth. Burt Cohen told the saga of his attempts to memorialize the New Hampshire heroes. ALBA Executive Director Mark Wallem reminded the crowd of ALBA’s relevance today as we see fascism on the rise again. NH House Rep Luz Bay (D – Dover) also spoke briefly.
Dan and Molly Lynn Watt at the rededication ceremony. Photo Arnie Alpert
The plaque is dedicated to NH Vets Homer Bates Chase, Van Chase, Frederick Leon Copp, Joseph Dallet, Danny Fitzgerald, James Jones, Orvo William Kemppainem, Christo Litsas, Mathew Irving Matison, Evan Shipman, Owen Jefferson Smith, and Richard Chester Thompson.
