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Date: 12/18/2018
AGAWAM – On Dec. 11, a re-dedication of the six flags flying outside of Agawam Town Hall took place as a memorial to Eagle Scout Eric Hogan.
Mayor William Sapelli, Eastern States Exposition President Eugene Cassidy and Eric’s father, Clifford Hogan, spoke at the re-dedication that honored Eric.
Eric was involved in the project of displaying six New England flags outside of the Agawam Town Hall prior to his death in 2011.
After members of the Eagle Scouts began to raise the six flags outside of the town hall, Clifford read a speech written by Joseph Fortunato, a friend of Eric’s and a fellow Eagle Scout. In the speech, Fortunato spoke highly of Eric and his involvement in the flag project. “Today, with certainty, I can say that this project would not have been completed if it were not for Eric’s involvement. He was a mentor. But more than a mentor, he was a friend. He drove me to complete the project and provided more help and guidance than I could have ever repaid him for.”
Clifford continued, “For those of you who knew Eric, this doesn’t come as a surprise. For those of you who didn’t, simply put Eric was and still represents the very best of humanity. His friendship, his compassion, his love of life and of others, his enthusiasm, his charisma, his intellect and his humor all showed no bounds.”
After completing the reading of Fortunato’s speech, Clifford tearfully reflected on some of Eric’s qualities. “He always had that old faded green Red Sox hat. Kids learn from their parents. But parents also learn from their kids. With Eric’s ambition, fun lovingness, and ability to get along with people, I learned to try to be the kind of person that he was. I know he’s with us today,” he said.
Mayor Sapelli spoke after Clifford, stating, “What we did with the flags was easy. What you have done, and Joe and Eric, that was the hard work. This is true community.”
Cassidy spoke fondly of the community, stating, “It’s a humbling moment for me to be here representing the six states. A moment like this does a heart good in a hard time in this world. It brings community together. I’m humbled to represent Eastern States here. I didn’t know Eric, but I feel like I know him a little bit now. God bless his soul, God bless his parents and his friends.”
Members of the Agawam Lions and the community gathered to observe the dedication, reflecting fondly on Eric and the work of the Eagle Scouts.
The six flags will remain outside of the Agawam Town Hall as a representation of the six eastern states and in honor of Eric’s life.