Wayland celebrated the installation of a new flagpole at the Council on Aging and Community Center on April 8 with members of American Legion Post 133 making a ceremonial presentation of the flag, which was then raised by Wayland Veterans’ Service Officer Dan O’Neill.
American Legion Post 133 Commander Paul Rufo delivered opening remarks on the symbolism and history of the flag’s colors and design. Select Board Chair Carol Martin noted that the new flagpole joins many others throughout Wayland, including those at high school, middle school, and three elementary schools, as well as the Town Building, the Public Safety Building, Fire Station 2, the Department of Public Works garage, the Wayland Housing Authority and local cemeteries.
Town Manager Michael McCall thanked Richard Turner and Paul Rufo for their efforts and diligence in showing up for his office hours monthly to get the flagpole installed. Over the course of 2025, they monitored the replacement process for the rusted flagpole from the old COA with the COA/CC project contractors, Planning board requirements, and the necessary easements from Eversource to safely locate and install it.
“With the current celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of America, this flag-raising ceremony symbolizes our rich history, while also recognizing the new Council on Aging and Community Center that serves as a gathering place for our seniors and veterans,” McCall said.
Students from the Wayland High School Band performed, with Noa Ferdman and Nishanth Bangalore, under the direction of band director Joe Oneschuck, playing “To the Colors” in honor of the flag, followed by the ceremonial “Taps.”
