By Jesse Kucewicz, Contributing Writer
(Photo/Jesse Kucewicz)
WESTBOROUGH – The Westborough Veterans Advisory Board honored the life of Marine Corps Capt. Michael Haskell with a plaque dedication ceremony on July 31.
That date was also declared “Michael Haskell Day” by the Westborough Select Board.
Haskell, a graduate of Westborough High School and Framingham State University, was killed in the 1983 bombings in Beirut, Lebanon.
Haskell graduated summa cum laude from Framingham State, completing his four-year program in just three years, while also being the captain of the hockey team. Haskell later earned a master’s degree from Georgetown University.
The July 31 ceremony was led by Andy Toorock, a member of the Westborough Veterans Advisory Board, who had been unhappy with the plaque that was previously placed in Haskell’s honor.
“About a year and a half ago, we came out to look for the plaque that had Michael Haskell’s name on it, and guess what? We couldn’t find it, it was covered in snow,” Toorock said. “That’s when we decided we were going to make a strong effort that the plaque be raised on a pedestal.”
The new plaque is, indeed, now raised on a stone pedestal.
Speaking on July 31, Jeff Haskell, Michael’s younger brother, discussed the impact that Michael had on people throughout his life.
“Mike left an indelible mark on everyone he met or served with,” Jeff said. “[He was] known for loyalty to friends, a great sense of humor, and that grin.”
Also speaking at the ceremony was Junior Vice-Commandant of the Marine Corps League Warren Griffin.
“This is why we have memorials,” Griffin said. “When a community has an outstanding citizen, they need to be remembered, they need to be remembered for generations.”
Haskell was thought of highly by all of the Marines that he worked with, Toorock continued.
“Michael’s peers had another name for him,” Toorock said. “Not just a marine, he was a Marine’s Marine. And it doesn’t get any better than that.”
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