Flag dedication honors fallen soldier

Flag dedication honors fallen soldier

+ click to enlarge News staff photos by Tara Vocino The Marine ROTC Honor Guard from Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School in full dress uniform raise the flag at the Templeton Senior Center flag dedication for Ryan Patrick Jones, a bomb technician, who died in 2007. + click to enlarge Tara Vocino Reporter TEMPLETON –– An American flag and solar light on the flagpole in front of the Templeton Senior Community Center was dedicated on the ninth anniversary of First Lt. Ryan Patrick Jones’ death. Jones, 23, the only child of Westminster residents Elaine and Kevin Jones, was killed in Baghdad, Iraq, on May 2, 2007, while on an Army mission to destroy roadside bombs. The items were donated by the Ryan Patrick Jones Heart of a Hero Found­ation, founded by Jones’ parents. A 2001 graduate of Monta­chusett Regional Voca­tional Technical School, he is buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Westminster. In a letter that Ryan Jones left behind in case he didn’t return home from his duty as a bomb technician stationed in Fort Riley, Kansas, he asked his parents to honor the community by “doing good things.” Jones didn’t tell his parents what his responsibilities would be until he arrived. Council on Aging Director Dianna Morrison said the Jones family also donated the chairs that about 30 guests were sitting on. “I can’t say enough about these wonderful people,” Mor­rison said. “They’re here on the anniversary of Ryan’s death, leaving a permanent piece of their outstanding young man. I couldn’t be more honored. It’s an honor for me, and it’s an honor to be here.” Elaine Jones said the downpour during the flag dedication was Ryan Jones’ way of making a joke. “It wasn’t raining until 20 minutes before,” Elaine Jones said. She said that her son died on impact when they hit a bomb, planted by the Iraqis, in the water and sewer lines while driving. Jones died within three months of beginning duty. Previously, he served four years in the ROTC at Worcester Poly­technic Institute, where he graduated with bachelor of science degrees in civil and environmental engineering in 2005. However, Ryan Jones wanted to go into the culinary industry. His father, Kevin, explained why they did a flag dedication. “It’s one of the many things that we’ve done over the years to honor our son and military,” Kevin Jones said. “It’s very important to do a flag dedication, because otherwise, it’s just a flag that isn’t dedicated.” Kevin Jones explained that the solar light will ensure that the flag is lit at night. “That’s proper flag etiquette,” Kevin Jones said. Seniors in the audience came to support the Jones family. Gloria LeBlanc, 72, of Gardner, said she was surprised at the good turnout in the rain. LeBlanc showed her support for the family, who she said has done so much for the senior center. “They’ve given their hearts to us,” LeBlanc said. “It was interesting – he had two engineering degrees, but he wanted to cater. He liked working with people. That shows his life.” LeBlanc commented on why she and others attended the ceremony. “It’s wonderful that the Templeton Council on Aging honors Ryan for his service and sacrifice that he gave for all of us to be free,” LeBlanc said. At a table across the room, East Templeton residents Joseph Arsenault said he and his wife, Pat, wanted to support the Jones parents on their loss of their wonderful son. Pat Arsenault, 75, added she and Joseph Arsenault have three sons together, and she can only imagine the heartbreak of losing one. At the next table over, Pat Edwards, 66, of Gardner, sat with the Jones family. “I want to honor and pay respect and appreciation for Ryan’s sacrifice,” Edwards said.