Published November 14, 2018

By DAN TOMASELLO

LYNNFIELD — Two hundred residents gathered on the Town Common to honor America’s veterans and commemorate the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I during the annual Veterans Day ceremony on Sunday, Nov. 11.

Veterans’ Services Officer Bruce Siegel welcomed residents to the ceremony.

“We are here today to honor our veterans who were faithful in their beliefs in serving this great nation,” said Siegel. “We thank our warriors of today for continuing the fight for our freedom. You took an oath before God and country to protect the borders of this great nation. We humbly thank all of you for your services, bravery and sacrifices. As we gather here today to honor our nation’s heroes, let us be mindful to honor them not just today but every day for it is because of their bravery and sacrifice that we are the Land of the Free.”

Siegel noted this year marks the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I.

“Fighting during World War I stopped on Nov. 11, 1918 at 11 a.m. due to an armistice between the Germans and the Allies,” said Siegel. “For a century, since the guns of the First World War fell silent, the American people have observed this day, first as Armistice Day and now as Veterans Day.”

AMERICAN LEGION POST 131 members, from left, Paul Donato, Tom Bogart, Charles Leach, Jack Lukas and Allen Lieb served as the honor guard during the town’s Veterans Day ceremony on Nov. 11. Missing from photo are John Harrigan and Dick Weeks. (Dan Tomasello Photo)

Echoing remarks Siegel made last year, he said a veteran is “someone who, at one point in his life, wrote a blank check made payable to the United States of America for an amount of up to and including his life.”

“The importance of Veterans Day is to honor and celebrate veterans for their patriotism, love of country and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good,” said Siegel. “Veterans Day is the day set aside to thank all those who served honorably in the military, in both wartime and peacetime. In fact, Veterans Day is largely intended to thank living veterans for their service, to acknowledge that their contributions to our national security are appreciated, and to underscore the fact that all those who served have sacrificed and performed their duty.”

Siegel encouraged residents to thank veterans for their service and sacrifice whenever they have the opportunity.

“Born of their extraordinary accomplishments comes our extraordinary debt,” said Siegel. “And for those accomplishments and for their dedication, we must always be grateful.”

After Siegel concluded his remarks, attendees recited the “Pledge of Allegiance” and the middle and high school bands performed the “National Anthem.” Rev. Paul Ritt of the Lynnfield Catholic Collaborative gave the invocation after the “National Anthem” was performed.

State Senator’s remarks

After Rev. Ritt gave the invocation, State Sen. Brendan Crighton (D-Lynn) provided some remarks.

“In Massachusetts, we really do celebrate our veterans in the best possible ways,” said Crighton. “When you think about it, Massachusetts is home to our country’s first veterans. We have a long tradition and a long history of service throughout the commonwealth and in towns like Lynnfield.”

Crighton said he is “proud” the state has laws designed to protect veterans, but said there is always room for improvement.

“If there is something missing or something could be done better, we want to hear from you,” said Crighton.

Selectmen chairman speech

After Crighton concluded his remarks, Selectmen Chairman Dick Dalton gave a speech on behalf of the board.

“Today, we assemble on Town Common to thank our veterans because we know without them, there would be no Land of the Free,” said Dalton.

Dalton asked the veterans in attendance to raise their hands and the ceremony’s attendees gave the veterans a round of applause.

“It’s their service and sacrifice that has kept our country safe and free,” said Dalton. “No matter which branch you served in, whatever your job path or how many years you served, raising your hand and committing yourself to service in the military was a brave and selfless act. Because of their service, America can sleep peacefully at night. Military men and women know the risk, but accept it so others won’t have to. On behalf of a grateful community, I thank you for your service.”

A call to action

Main Street resident John Pettazzoni, who served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Vietnam War, noted World War I was “the war that was dedicated to ending all wars.”

“We have been through more wars since that dedication,” said Pettazzoni. “In 1954, President Dwight Eisenhower changed Armistice Day to Veterans Day to honor the commitment of those men and women who committed themselves to supporting our nation. That is why we support veterans on Veterans Day every year.”

In addition to marking the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I, Pettazzoni said 2018 is the 50th anniversary of the Tet Offensive, which was a series of surprise attacks undertaken by Vietcong and North Vietnamese fighters throughout South Vietnam.

“It sought to break the backs of the American military there and to break the spirit of the people in South Vietnam,” said Pettazzoni. “Their plan was to end the war at that time. The plan did not work because the Americans in Vietnam fought hard for a long six months and eventually won the Tet battle.”

While the U.S. military was able to win the Tet Offensive, Pettazzoni noted Americans’ support for the Vietnam War stated to wane.

“There we were in Vietnam, committed to doing the job and committed to seeing it through, and we were lacking a lot of support back home,” said Pettazzoni. “It took a lot out of the guys that I knew. Things have improved greatly in this country. In fact, things are 100 percent better in this country.”

Pettazzoni noted there are 16 million veterans in the U.S., two million of whom are women, and there have been 42 million Americans who have served in the armed forces. He said veterans who come home from war are “never the same again.”

“When you go to combat, you change,” said Pettazzoni. “You see things you could never imagine on a playground here in Lynnfield or playing ‘Call of Duty’ on Xbox. It just changes you entirely. PTSD, physical injury and mental injury are scars that everyone who has ever seen combat bears. It is now time for our country to continue its commitment to our veterans. We have a great VA system right now and we have a lot of support for our veterans, but 22 veterans a day take their own lives because it’s hard to tolerate the experiences they have had. Everyone needs to do things to help stop this slaughter.”

Closing ceremony

After Pettazzoni concluded his speech, American Legion Post 131 members Paul Donato, Tom Bogart, Charles Leach, Jack Luckas and Allen Lieb, under the guidance of Jack Harrigan and Dick Weeks, fired three blank shots in the air. Students Patrick Walsh and Evyenia Georges performed “Taps” and Rev. Ritt gave the closing prayer.

Siegel concluded the ceremony by announcing a parking space will be designated for veterans in the Town Hall parking lot.

“It’s a small way to recognize the service of our veterans,” said Siegel.

In closing, Daisy Troop 67136 and their sister Girl Scouts came on the stage and sang “You’re A Grand Old Flag” and “This Land is Your Land.” The Girl Scouts were given a round of applause.  

 

AMERICAN LEGION POST 131 members, from left, Paul Donato, Tom Bogart, Charles Leach, Jack Lukas and Allen Lieb served as the honor guard during the town’s Veterans Day ceremony on Nov. 11. Missing from photo are John Harrigan and Dick Weeks. (Dan Tomasello Photo)