Poltrack Blog

Two years before I was born Francis John Mark Poltrack was killed during the invasion of Peleliu in WWII. 28,000 Marines and Infantry troops were involved and a full 40% who fought died or were wounded, including my uncle. In retrospect the battle was not even necessary to the war effort but that will not bring my uncle back. In our family tradition his name was passed to the next born male in the family. My cousin was born before me and became David Francis Poltrack. I was born after Dave and became John Mark Poltrack. After reading his poetry, reading his letters, hearing the recordings he made with his brothers at the 1938 World's Fair, it is obvious we would get along wonderfully but that will never be. This weekend take a moment to think of all those who never got the chance to grow old.  Francis was just 24 years old when he died.

Some photos taken at the afternoon observance of Memorial Day in New Ipswich, NH on May 20. 2018. Seating is provided for Veterans at Center Cemetery if they want or require it Decorating the waters while the band plays the Navy Hymn Eternal Father, strong to save, Whose arm hath bound the restless wave, Who bidd'st the might ocean deep. Its own appointed limits keep. Oh hear us when we cry to Thee, For those in peril on the sea! Amen Watching the parade along Main Street Prime Seating John Veeser performs Amazing Grace Wreaths are placed on Crosses At Memorial Field for Hot Dogs, Chips and Drinks

Sea Cadets Ollie Niemi Invocation Honoring the Fallen Selectman David Lage Don Poirier George Leel - WWII Veteran Decorating the waters Rifle Salute

New Ipswich observes Memorial Day a week before the calendar date. We do this so we can secure a band and the American Legion Color Guard. I find that the morning program is most poignant. Peter and Bonny Jo set up a tent and provide coffee and Nisu and the opportunity to socialize. The Gnibus family always decorates their yard for this holiday. My first Memorial Day with Dad, Mom and my Grandparents Honoring our WWII Veterans Bonny Jo and I always have a chat about Gardening. This "planter' was used to process hogs As long as I have marched in the morning parade I have seen the Halsalls family pay  their respect as we march by on Page Hill Road. A fellow veteran mentioned that you don't see that everyday but I see it on a regular basis in New Ipswich. 

At the Memorial Day Observation. Ollie Niemi shared that New Ipswich is the first New Hampshire town to be designated as a purple heart town. This happened on July 25th 2017 at the request of Kevin F. Willette, a local Purple Heart Recipient. Signage can be seen along the roadways on the borders of New Ipswich. Ollie Niemi at the afternoon Memorial Day Observance Signage near Highbridge

A collection of photos of Memorial Day in New Ipswich. NH from the New Ipswich Historical Society.

New Ipswich observed Memorial Day on May 21, 2017. The weather was beautiful and the black flies were tolerable. I attended the morning and afternoon ceremonies. Smithville, New Ipswich Once again Peter and Bonny-Jo Aho provided nissu, coffee and lemonadeat their home in Smithville, New Ipswich Carl Toko, the governor of Smithville The Somero brothers Bonny-Jo Scout Leaders The morning parade had a float Lance makes a point Ceremony at South Cemetery in Smithville The National Anthem was sung acappella, Taps Decorating the waters while the Navy Hymn was played  Ollie Niemi has been organizing this observance for 20 years. The Veesers at the New Ipswich Congregational Church Afternoon ceremony at Central Cemetery Boots on the ground Nice to see so many people watching the observance We had a band for the afternoon parade Great place to wa...