FORT DEVENS, Mass. – Ribbons are best known for the wrapping and decoration of boxed gifts given at special occasions such as birthdays or holidays. But that is not their sole purpose; they are also used as a representation of change and new beginnings.
A ribbon cutting ceremony was held to dedicate the renovations and re-opening of building 642, the 25th Marine Regiment Headquarters, on Fort Devens May 22, 2014.
“Today’s ceremony marks the re-opening of building 642, the 25th Marine Headquarters,” said Lt. Col. Steven F. Egan, Army Garrison Commander, Fort Devens. “You guys have set a very high standard. I know the partnership that went on with the department of public works and the Ft. Devens’ staff. What you guys have done is incredible, and it truly looks amazing.”
Renovations included repairs to the exterior structure, new brickwork along the bottom half of the building, as well as all new landscaping.
“This is truly an incredible building, and I don’t think there’s another one as nice as this on the base,” said Egan. “You guys have done an excellent job and this just highlights the partnership between to Marines and Army.”
Prior to the renovation, parts of the siding were broken and falling off of the building, but through the through the well-organized management of the project and a lot of hard work the building’s exterior has a whole new look.
“The professionalism of the building and the way it’s been refaced … is absolutely fantastic,” said Col. Russell E. Smith, commanding officer, 25th Marine Regiment, and native of Rochester, New Hampshire. “The cement facing was falling off, in some cases, above the doors it looked like you might get hit with cement as you would come in. That’s all been fixed and replaced.”
All this is today is a simple ceremony to thank everybody for the hard work and dedication they did here, said Smith.
The red ribbon may not have wrapped a gift in a box on this day but it represented the same idea as a gift found in a box.