WILMINGTON, MA — At next month’s Annual Town Meeting, Wilmington residents will have the opportunity to name the corner of 136 Church Street and Adams Street in the memory of the late William R. Harrison, and install a commemorative sign in his honor.
Harrison was a highly decorated veteran and longtime Wilmington resident.
According to his obituary, Harrison served in the U.S. Navy Seabees Civil Engineer Corps during World War II. He was and was involved in the retaking of Guadalcanal, which stopped the Japanese march toward Australia. Harrison, who saw combat action in air raids and island invasions throughout the Pacific, helped build Henderson Field for the Marine aces.
Upon returning to civilian life, Harrison moved to Wilmington in 1958. He served as the Town’s Plumbing Inspector for 43 years. He and his wife Barbara had 7 children. Harrison passed away in 2004, having lived in town for 46 years.
“In Wilmington, we have a lot of squares and monuments around town for our KIA’s (killed-in-action), but we don’t have any that are named for veterans,” Wilmington Veterans Agent Lou Cimaglia recently told the Finance Committee.
“The town can make the black and gold commemorative signs,” continued Cimaglia. “The American Legion Post 136 has offered to pay for any costs incurred.”
Harrison’s longtime neighbor, David Malone, initiated the request. The sign would be located at the intersection next to Harrison’s house, where his wife still resides.
Town Meeting Warrant Article #48 deals with the Harrison memorial.
The 2016 Wilmington Town Meeting will take place on Saturday, April 30 at 10:30am in the Wilmington High Auditorium.
(NOTE: Photo cover is an image from Wilmington Community Television’s broadcast of the Finance Committee/Planning Board Public Hearing on the 2016 Town Meeting Warrant.)
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Wilmington Apple 
William R Harrison is a HERO and was my Father.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
William R Harrison was a hero and my Father. Humble, caring and a soldier in every way. He’s with us everyday.