When visitors step through the front entrance of the Marblehead VFW Post 2005, they now pass through more than a doorway — they enter through a tribute. The newly installed and strikingly painted door, adorned in the proud scarlet and gold of the U.S. Marine Corps, stands as a lasting memorial to four Veterans whose decades of service and leadership shaped the character and strength of the post.
This meaningful project, carried out in 2024, honors Harry Christensen, Ben Gatchell, Bill Mackenzie, and Captain Richard “Dick” Brigeo — men whose dedication to their country and community left an indelible mark on generations of Marblehead Veterans.
According to Marblehead VFW Commander Ronny Knight, the idea began simply — with the need for a new front door.
The original door, unchanged since the building was erected in 1957, had finally reached the end of its life. “When I took over as Commander, we were in need of a front door,” Knight explained, noting that the building’s age made the project unavoidable. Through the generosity and partnership of Gilbert & Cole, the post was able to secure a new door, which was installed by Doug Dubin and his crew, who had previously supported the VFW through the town’s car show.
Once the door was in place, discussion quickly turned to how it might reflect the heritage and values of the Veterans who call the post home. Board member and past commander Dave Rodgers made the motion to give the door a bold, symbolic identity—one that would honor the Marine Corps and the Veterans who had long supported the post. He recommended painting the door scarlet with gold trim, the signature colors of the Corps, and naming it in memory of notable past members.
Local painter Doug “Dougie” Gatchell, son of honoree Ben Gatchell, completed the painting himself, adding another meaningful layer to the tribute.
Honoring Four Veterans Who Built the Post’s Legacy
The newly named door memorializes four deeply respected members of the Marblehead VFW—each of whom left a lasting imprint on both the organization and the town.
Harry Christensen – U.S. Marine Corps, Vietnam
A Marblehead native and Marine who was severely wounded in Vietnam, Christensen earned the Silver Star for his actions in combat. After returning home, he became an attorney and went on to serve for many years as a town selectman. Rodgers remembers him as a force of leadership and service—on the battlefield and at home.
Ben Gatchell– U.S. Marine Corps, Korea
Another Marblehead local, Gatchell, graduated MHS in 1952 and served as a Marine in Korea during the era of troop ships and brutal North Atlantic crossings. A tireless worker within the post, he played a crucial role in building the post’s building fund and long-term financial stability.
Bill Mackenzie – U.S. Navy Seabees, Vietnam
A Navy Seabee who completed two tours in Vietnam, Mackenzie was a respected local contractor whose dedication to the post was immeasurable. Though not born in Marblehead, his commitment quickly made him an essential part of the VFW community.
Captain Richard “Dick” Bridgeo – U.S. Merchant Marine / U.S. Marine Corps
A Marblehead High graduate from the class of 1941. He served in the North Atlantic during WWII aboard an army transport ship as a 20-year old 3rd mate. He was admitted to the Boston Marine Society in 1962. He was granted veteran status through an act of congress in 1988. In recent years, he served as Grand Marshal of Marblehead’s Memorial Day parade.
All four men served as post commanders, and all were instrumental in strengthening and preserving the VFW for the next generation.
For Rodgers, the dedication was not simply symbolic but deeply personal. He spoke at the Veterans Day breakfast, sharing memories and acknowledging the immense contributions these men made over decades. “I remember those guys fondly,” he said, noting how emotional such tributes become as the years go by.
Knight believes the door now serves not only as an entrance but as a story for every visitor who walks through it. With its Marine Corps colors and a plaque naming the four honorees, it stands as a daily reminder of the VFW’s ongoing mission: to remember, honor, and carry forward the legacy of those who served.
What began as a simple building repair has become one of the most heartfelt features of Marblehead’s VFW. The new door radiates pride, history, and gratitude—its colors bold, its purpose clear.
“It’s a fantastic way to honor them,” Knight said. “To have the Marine Corps colors and a plaque so people can see, on the way in, our commitment to remember them.”
Through this act of dedication, Post 2005 ensures that Christensen, Gatchell, Mackenzie, and Brigeo continue to stand watch—greeting every Veteran, family member, and community visitor who passes through the door they helped build.
