To the editor:

The Portsmouth Garden Club had an opportunity to assess the town cannon and its wooden holder while we did a new planting display for 2017 and the upcoming season spring 2018 at Legion Park in front of Town Hall. 

At that time we notified the town administrator and Town Council of the need to rebuild the wooden casson (cannon carrier) and refurbish the cannon itself. The wood had rotted and the cannon was in need of, at the very least, a coat of paint.

We are so very pleased to be able to say thank you to them and to Brian Woodhead of the Public Works Department for the excellent job of restoring the cannon. It was re-installed last week and we have put up the Christmas decorations to honor the members of our military who gave their lives in the service of our town and country. 

Our group made 13 wreaths and numerous evergreen swags to be placed on town buildings, including the cannon and we hope that all will take a minute to observe the display and think of our fallen heroes at this holiday time.

Roberta Stevens

President, Portsmouth Garden Club

291 Rolling Hill Rd