A bench thanking August “Gus” Cote of Acushnet for what he has done for the community, including youth athletics, is installed at the entrance to the athletic fields at Pope Park, after being unveiled on 9/8/24. Submitted photo.
By Beth David, Editor
The Town of Acushnet honored well known resident and Veteran Army Corporal August “Gus” Cote with a bench at the entrance to the athletic fields at Pope Park. “You were the start,” reads the engraving on the bench.
Mr. Cote, 91, was honored by local Masons, veterans, and town officials at the unveiling of the bench on 9/8/24. According to Acushnet Veterans Agent Brad Fish, Mr. Cote was an umpire and referee for over 30 years for Acushnet Youth Athletics Association; was Free Masons District Deputy and Worshipful Master to numerous Lodges in the area and also Shriners Hospital; and was in the US Army during the Korean War.
Larry Santons, Worshipful Master of Masons District 19 said he remembered when he first heard Mr. Cote speak at a Mason event, a “big long spiel,” and he “didn’t mess anything up.”
As time went on, he just got better.
“All of a suddent, everybody wants to do what you do,” said Mr. Santos, adding that then they find out all Mr. Cote does for veterans, kids, and Masons. “And everybody wants to be you.”
“You’re really what Masonry is all about,” said Josh Bumpus, of District 19 East. “We all want to emulate what you’ve done for everyone your whole life.”
“You guys do more for me than I do for you,” interjected Mr. Cote.
“It’s reciprocal. We’re giving back from what you gave to us,” said Mr. Santos. “Because of you, many of these brothers do what you do: help the community, help other families, and just be an outstanding guy. And we can’t thank you enough for that.”
August “Gus” Cote of Acushnet sits (LEFT) on the bench dedicated to him at the entrance to the athletic fields at Pope Park on 9/8/24, surrounded by his fellow Masons. Submitted photo.
He noted the different groups that donated to install the bench, including the Masons and veterans.
“This was a group effort of everybody you have touched in our community,” said Mr. Santos.
Deven Robitaille, Commander Thomas E. Tuttle VFW Post #7239, Acushnet, got teary eyed when she recounted how it was difficult to shift into being the commander.
“You were always so kind to me, you were always so accepting,” she said.
“You er the commander,” said Mr. Cote, eliciting some laughs.
“Yeah, I know, but I had no idea what I was doing,” said Cmdr. Robitaille.
She said she did not always get a lot of help, but Mr. Cote always helped, and helped her about caring for people. She said the VFW is a family and they all care about each other.
“And it all came from you,” she said.
Mike Jenney, Commander of the American Legion in Acushnet, said they jumped at it when asked to help with the project. However, they had a bit of a complication when Mr. Cote skipped the lodge meeting and showed up at the Legion meeting when they were supposed to vote oin it. He noted some of the projects Mr. Cote has helped with.
“This man does more for this community than probably 50 percent of the people here,” said Cdr. Jenney. “It’s an undying love that he has for the community, and I’m just privileged and my legion is privileged to be part of this honor.”
Acushnet Selectboard chairperson Bob Hinckley said he has only known Mr. Cote a couple of years.
August “Gus” Cote of Acushnet sits with Deven Robitaille, Commander Thomas E. Tuttle VFW Post #7239, Acushnet, surrounded by veterans from the VFW and American Legion after the bench dedicated to Mr. Cote was unveiled on 9/8/24 at the entrance to the Athletic fields at Pope Park. Submitted photo.
“But I value anyone who pays this much time and attention to the Town of Acushnet,” said Mr. Hinckley. “And I just want to say ‘thank you’ for everything you’ve done for our community, and I appreciate every minute you’ve been alive.”
Brian Fernandes of Masonry District 19 East said he hoped the bench would be a “little, tiny piece” to show how much people appreciate Mr. Cote, and related the story that Mr. Cote was sick as a child. The Shriners visited him in the hospital, and he decided he wanted to do that when he had the chance.
“I think you’re a great example what someone can be,” said Mr. Fernandes, and listed some of Mr. Cote’s activities in the community. “The list goes on. And everyobody knows it, and I’m just here to say ‘thank you.’”
He joked that no one will forget the name “Gus Cote” because the bench will survive anthing.
“It’ll be the end of the world, a nuclear holocaust and that’ll still be there,” he said.
Mr. Fish closed by thanking the different groups who showed up for the ceremony.
“And everybody else who showed up because it’s Gus,” said Mr. Fish. “It’s al about Gus.”
The ceremony is available on the town’s YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4lwpKs5i16c
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