LOCAL GIRL SCOUTS hold flags as they sing the National Anthem at yesterday afternoon’s dedication of the Women Veterans Memorial on Veterans Memorial Common. (Mark Sardella Photo)
Published in the November 12, 2015 edition.
By MARK SARDELLA
WAKEFIELD — “On this Veterans’ Day, we honor all men and women who have answered the call to service,” chairman of the Board of Selectmen Ann Santos told the crowd at yesterday’s Veterans’ Day observance. “From my 25-year-old law student who has recently returned from active duty in the Middle East, to my uncle Zack Boyages, a First Lieutenant in the Marines during the Korean War – these men and women did not begin their lives as heroes but as ordinary sons, daughters and friends who found themselves in extraordinary circumstances and emerged as heroes worthy of our grateful thanks.”
Hundreds of local residents turned out at the Galvin Middle School’s Veterans Memorial Auditorium yesterday morning to show their respect and appreciation for veterans and dozens braved a raw, wet afternoon to honor women veterans at dedication ceremonies of a new monument on Veterans Memorial Common.
Wakefield Veterans Services Officer Alicia Reddin welcomed those in attendance at the morning ceremonies. A color guard from American Legion Post 63 posted the colors and Commander Thomas Collins led the Pledge of Allegiance.
After the Wakefield High School Chamber Singers (under the direction of Ann Morel) performed the National Anthem, Reddin called upon the Reverend Dr. Matthew Cadwell, Rector of The Emmanuel Episcopal Church, to offer the Invocation.
In one of the most moving parts of yesterday’s observance, the Wakefield High School Wind Ensemble, under the direction of Thomas Bankert, performed “Armed Forces – Pride of America,” a medley of the anthems of the U.S. Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Coast Guard and Air Force. As each anthem was played, veterans of that branch of the service stood to the applause of all in attendance.
The WHS Chamber Singers then performed “Land of the Free.”
The Wakefield Choral Society sang “Hymn to the Eternal Flame,” followed by “Battle Hymn of the Republic.”
United States Marine Corps veteran Jay Pinette, a veteran of Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm in the Persian Gulf, was yesterday morning’s keynote speaker.
“We come together to show our appreciation and to pay tribute to those who have risked life and limb so that we can live in the land of the free,” Pinette reminded those in attendance.
“There has most certainly been a rekindling of appreciation for our veterans” in recent years, Pinette observed, “the likes of which we have not seen since World War II. I believe we have learned from the sins of the past and have tried to separate the warrior and the war. We don’t see the kind of disrespect for our veterans these days that we saw during the Vietnam era.”
But Pinette noted that too many veterans are still suffering from homelessness, mental health issues, PTSD, unemployment and substance abuse.
“We need to remain focused on the many accomplishments of our veterans,” Pinette said, “while never losing sight of the needs that persist. They fought for us. We need to fight for them.”
Reddin, a U.S. Navy veteran, presided over the afternoon dedication of a new monument to women veterans along with a nearby memorial tree on Veterans Memorial Common.
“There are some who would gaze upon this common and simply see a tree,” Reddin said, “but I see so much more. A tree is a symbol of immense and enduring strength. It embodies protection, security and stability – all of which can be said of the American veteran.
“But there is also a softness that comes with that strength,” Reddin said, “represented by the grass that she is planted in, realizing that there are moments that demand a warmth and subtlety toward each other.”
She talked about the sacrifices made by past veterans, male and female.
“Our liberties and values stand safe today because of those unsung heroes,” Reddin said, “America’s female patriots who stood up and honorably faced the fire. We are all surrounded by the spirits of those who have served our country, heroes that have sacrificed so much for privileges we enjoy every day.”
Reddin encouraged those in attendance to find time to sit under the memorial tree and reflect on the gravity of what the tree represents.
She then unveiled the new monument to women veterans, donated by David DeFilippo, owner of Woodlawn Memorials in Everett.
Rep. Donald Wong read a proclamation from Gov. Charlie Baker. Rep. Paul Brodeur and Sen. Jason Lewis were also in attendance at yesterday’s ceremonies.
Wakefield Boy Scouts served as the Color Guard for yesterday afternoon’s ceremony. Wakefield Girl Scouts sang the National Anthem. Wakefield Brownies performed a song about the American flag.
Reverend Dr. Kate Elledge of All Saints Episcopal Church in Stoneham offered the Invocation and the Benediction.
