Monument to Merritt Edson dedicated on Chester Green

CORRECTION: According to two separate and unofficial Vermont State Police accounts, about 220 spectators attended the dedication of the Merritt Edson monument on Saturday. It was the same number that attended the parade.

Photos by Claudio Veliz
©2015 Telegraph Publishing LLC

About 100 220 spectators showed up for the dedication of the newest monument on the Chester Green on the morning of Saturday, Aug. 15, under hot and sunny skies.

A short parade viewed by about 220 kicked off around 11 a.m. and included horseback riders and a color guard.

Then invited dignitaries gathered on the Green and offered speeches and, after a flyover by two airplanes, the monument was unveiled and dedicated.

The 6-foot tall granite obelisk was dedicated to Merritt Edson, a Chester resident who was  hero of the Second World War, a director of the National Rifle Association and the founder of the Vermont State Police, whose accomplishments were brought back to life by the Chester Historical Society, which raised funds for the monument and organized the event.

While the event didn’t attract the thousands of people anticipated, it was a solemn and appropriate event nonetheless. An evening dance and fireworks capped off the day’s festivities.

Click any photo to launch the picture gallery below.

Hannah Monier, left, and her sister Sarah Yake, on horseback for the parade.

The color guard marches along Main Street.

Chester Town Manager David Pisha and Select Board member Heather Chase enjoying the festivities.

The 100 or so spectators say the Pledge of Allegiance as the dedication begins.

Select Board chair John DeBenedetti officiates.

A slight delay in the unveiling of the monument was waiting for the flyover.

Brigadier General Michael Heston of the Vermont National Guard speaks to the audience.

The audience listened intently during the dedication.