(AMT photos in Sat unedited)
There was something for everyone at the town’s Veterans Day observation on the town common Friday morning.
From an antique car parade, the Lynnfield High’s band playing a patriotic tribute to the five branches of the military (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard), speeches from local officials, an honor guard and gun salute as well as a complimentary lunch, the day was marked with optimism and a show of unwavering support for veterans and their families.
“We owe so much to our veterans and it is a debt we can never truly repay,” said Select Board Chair Phil Crawford. “We owe them our way of life, our freedom to live, work and raise our families as we please. Honoring the sacrifices many have made for our country in the name of freedom and democracy is the very foundation of Veterans Day.”
Veterans Services Officer Bruce Siegel opened the ceremony by thanking veterans for their bravery and sacrifices. He said veterans are family first, forever.
“Let us be mindful to honor them not just for today, but everyday for it is because of their bravery and sacrifice that we are the land of the free.” said, who enlisted in the Navy in 1968 and served in the Vietnam War from 1968 – 1972. “The importance of Veterans Day is to honor and celebrate veterans for their patriotism, their love of country and willingness to serve and sacrifice” and thanked them for their “unselfish service.”
Rev. Rob Bacon of the St. Paul’s Episcopal Church delivered the invocation, referring to veterans as “brave and generous who gave their best to serve and protect our country.”
State Sen. Brendan Crighton (D-Lynn) attended with his son Nate. Crighton said he is proud of the work the state has done working to help servicemen and women, pointing out this past session the legislature allocated $400 million for a new Soldiers Home and another $200 million in care for veterans statewide as well as the new “Speed Act” which will accelerate professional licensure for military spouses; it would create virtual enrollment for military children and as well as in-state tuition continuity for our military-connected colleges.
“We continue to do a lot for our veterans but we can’t do it unless we know the issues they’re facing,” Crighton said. He asked for veterans in attendance to partner with the legislature to make sure the state is doing all it can do to serve veterans and their families.
Marine Corps veteran Alice Ward, a realtor and founder of the non-profit Veterans of War Aid Foundation, said Veterans Day is a time to honor all veterans who “unselfishly placed their lives on the line for our freedom.” The Lynnfield resident spent 16 years in the military and currently works for the federal government as an investigator.
“These men and women were ordinary people, until they heard the call of duty and answered it,” she said. “They left their families, their homes and their lives, not for recognition or fame or even the honor we bestow upon them today. They fought to protect our country and to maintain our way of life.”
Siegel asked the large crowd to look veterans in the eye, shake their hands and “thank them for their service, their commitment and their sacrifice so that we can have the life that we have. All that’s needed is a simple thank you.”
“Whether they served in times of peace or war, all of America’s veterans share a common bond – their unwavering belief in the cause of freedom, a belief so strong they were willing to give their lives, if need be, in its defense,” Crawford said. “This nation will remain the land of the free only as long as it is the home of the brave.”
The observance concluded with the “God Bless America,” sung by local Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts troops and the playing of “Taps” in front of the war memorial by Lynnfield High junior Lucas Adreani.
