News - Hanson Memorial Dedication [Back]

Groton Town Clerk Bonnie Biocchi recently announced the Hanson Memorial Dedication will take place Sunday, October 28 at 2 p.m. The dedication will take place at Groton's town field near the new Smith Social Pavilion. “It is the our hope that the people of Groton will turn out to honor Peter, Sue and Christine Hanson who were killed in the September 11 attack. Lee and Eunice Hanson will be attending and would be greatly comforted by the presence of the community,” Biocchi said.

In addition to Biocchi, local residents Karen Lofgren and Shelly Murray have been the organizers of the event. After consulting with the Hanson family, the group decided that the site near the playground would be most appropriate. It was then decided that in addition to the tree that will be planted, a boulder, plaque, flagpole and shrubbery would add the proper elements to memorialize this young family. Working with local landscape architect Lorayne Black and in conjunction with representatives from the Garden Club, The Friends of the Trees, the Park Department and the Tree Warden, the group has come up with a design that it feels will bring comfort to the people of Groton. “We hope that by creating this permanent memorial, the people of Groton will always have a place to come and remember,” Lofgren stated.

The dedication will focus on remembering the Hanson family. There will be a flag-raising ceremony, the dedication of the memorial, selections by the High School Chorus, participation by various scouting organizations and reflections about the Hanson family. Following the event, there will be a reception at Sibley Hall in the Groton Public Library.

Memorial contributions can be made to “The Hanson Family Memorial Fund” and sent to the Town Clerk’s office at 173 Main St. Groton, MA 01450. For those who wish to donate in person, the Clerk’s office is open M 8:30 a.m.- 7 p.m., T-Th 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., F 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. and the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of each month from 9 a.m. - noon. Questions may be directed to 978-448-1100. Any additional funds raised will be donated to the disaster relief effort coordinated by the American Red Cross.