Above: Last night, the family of the late John Wilson received a flag dedicated in his honor. (image tweeted by @17common)
A brief ceremony was held last night to recognize the legacy of Lt. Colonel John Wilson. State Representative Carolyn Dykema presented Wilson’s family with an American flag that was flown over the U.S. Capital in his honor.
The flag was flown at the request of our US Congresswoman Katherine Clark. It was presented to Wilson’s wife Sheila, his son Thomas and daughter Kara Yuen. Dykema told them that the recognition was on behalf of Clarke, state Senator Jamie Eldridge. The presentation was hosted by the Board of Selectmen on behalf of the Southborough community.
Dykema spoke about Wilson’s “incredible legacy”. She stressed that service was a way of life for the man who held a distinguished military career as a Vietnam combat veteran but also continued to serve when he came back.
The representative shared Wilson’s personal impact on her. She told his family that what she found most remarkable was the way he encouraged everyone around him to want to be and do their best. She called his actions the definition of leadership. And she followed that he was
a role model of what service is and what service should be in its best form.
Dykema told his family that thinking of him and what he would will continue to help guide her own actions.
Thomas Wilson accepted the flag for the family. Having recently returned to town, he thanked the community for the support they have shown.
In Dykema’s comments, she recognized that Wilson’s family was part of his service. BOS Chair Lisa Braccio echoed the sentiment. She told them the Town is forever in Wilson’s debt and their debt for sharing him with us.
Selectman Brian Shea shared that Wilson ribbed him in a congratulations note after last year’s election – pointing out that he was the highest vote getter in Town. (He was.) Selectman Dan Kolenda noted how much Wilson meant to the veteran’s community. He said that given his passing, this Memorial Day will be significant one. Selectwoman Bonnie Phaneuf shared than many of the officials that continue to serve our Town were initially called to action by Wilson in his former role as Town Moderator.
You can watch the ceremony here, courtesy of Southborough Access Media.
