Named for native son Daniel Townsend

Published in the June 28, 2017 edition

By MAUREEN DOHERTY and DAN TOMASELLO

LYNNFIELD — Selectmen Chairman Chris Barrett proposed creating “The Daniel Townsend Award for Excellence” at Monday’s board meeting during the selectmen’s update.

The award would serve the dual purpose of both honoring the sacrifice made by the town’s native son, Daniel Townsend, who perished on April 19, 1775 in the first battle of the Revolutionary War, and honoring the actions of a present-day hero or heroine whose volunteerism makes Lynnfield a better community.

Barrett proposed creating the award after a number of residents expressed a desire to volunteer in the Master Plan Survey conducted earlier this year. He noted the Master Plan Steering Committee held a “very successful volunteer fair” recently.

“The town of Lynnfield owes its greatness to the many volunteers who dedicate their time and talents to making our community the very best,” said Barrett in a statement sent to the Villager. “In recognition of the many contributions of our volunteers, the Board of Selectmen will consider honoring one volunteer each year with the Daniel Townsend Award for Excellence. This proposed award is named after one of our greatest residents, Daniel Townsend, whose life of dedicated service exemplified excellence on both the local and national level.”

The text and criteria for the award reads as follows:

The Daniel Townsend Award for Excellence

For their exemplary dedication and commitment to the town of Lynnfield, the Board of Selectmen will select and honor each year one individual or individuals who exemplified excellence in the area of volunteerism. At the end of the fiscal year, the Board of Selectmen will take nominations from the community for individuals who deserve recognition for offering their time and talents to the town of Lynnfield.

The Daniel Townsend Award for Excellence will be presented at a meeting of the Board of Selectmen during the month of September.

This recognition of excellence is named in honor of one of our most celebrated sons, Daniel Townsend. When we consider our significant heritage, it is truly fitting that we name this award for excellence after an individual who most exemplified excellence in the pursuit of liberty.

Daniel Townsend left his loving wife and children to answer the first call to defend the cause of liberty on April 19, 1775. He answered that fateful call and became one of the very first Americans to give his life to help establish our nation and secure liberty for future generations.

The Daniel Townsend Award for Excellence will honor one worthy individual for their community service, but it will also provide the town of Lynnfield with an opportunity to honor the significant legacy of Daniel Townsend every year during the month of September.

Reaction

Selectman Dick Dalton expressed his support for establishing the Daniel Townsend Award for Excellence.

“I think it’s a very fitting initiative,” said Dalton. “I think it’s something that is long overdue.”

Selectman Phil Crawford said he supported creating the award, but proposed offering it to more than one person.

“I think it’s a great idea, but I think we should open it up to more than a single individual per year,” said Crawford. “There are probably going to be several individuals who are going to be worthy of the award, particularly the first year. There is no reason to pick one out of several. I think we should have the opportunity to give out more than one every year if we see fit.”

After a brief discussion, the selectmen voted unanimously to create the Daniel Townsend Award for Excellence with the proposed change recommended by Crawford.

“As people look to volunteer, I think it’s a great way for people to see the community appreciates the hard work people put in,” said Barrett.