Published in the November 10, 2016 edition.
Veterans’ Day is one of the most important civic observations we as a nation have. If it weren’t for the men and women who served our country in times of war, there’s a good chance we would not enjoy the freedoms we have today.
Tomorrow is one opportunity to show veterans what they mean to us. They need to be thanked for their service and shown the appreciation the so bravely earned and so richly deserve.
Wakefield’s Veterans’ Day 2016 event begins at 11 a.m. in the Galvin Middle School’s Veterans Memorial Auditorium.
In addition, Wakefield Memorial High School and Athletic Director Brendan Kent plan to recognize veterans during tomorrow night’s football game against Gloucester at Col. James Landrigan Field. Veterans interested in attending should contact Jay Pinette, the head of the town’s Veterans Advisory Board, at 781-246-5755 (home), 781-852-8210 (work) or 978-337-0221 (cell phone).
The program for the town observance tomorrow morning in the Galvin is as follows:
• Greetings to the audience, Alicia Reddin, director of Veterans’ Services
• Greetings from the Wakefield Board of Selectmen
• Posting of the Colors by the Wakefield Boy Scouts Troop 701
• Pledge of Allegiance led by American Legion Commander Thomas Collins
• Invocation – Rabbi Greg Hersh, Temple Emmanuel, Wakefield
• “National Anthem” performed by WMHS Chamber Singers under the direction of Ana Morel
• “Armed Forces — The Pride of America” by WMHS Wind Ensemble under the direction of Thomas Bankert
• “Song for the Unsung Hero” performed by members of the WMHS Chamber Singers under the direction of Ana Morel
• “Hymn to the Eternal Flame” by Stephen Paulus, performed by the Wakefield Choral Society under the direction of Michael Pfitzer; Joseph Beninati accompanist
• “Homeland” arr. by L. Randall Stroope, performed by the Wakefield Choral Society under the direction of Michael Pfitzer; Joseph Beninati accompanist.
• Introduction of the keynote speaker – Jay Pinette, chairman, Wakefield Veterans Advisory Board
• Keynote speaker – John Bohling, U.S. Army Veteran
• Recognition of Gold Star Parents in the audience, American Legion Commander Thomas Collins (please, no applause)
• Benediction – Rabbi Greg Hersh, Temple Emmanuel, Wakefield
• Closing – Alicia Reddin, director of Veterans’ Services
• Colors will be retired by the Boy Scouts
We officially recognize all veterans on Nov. 11 for the sacrifices they have made through the decades.
But we will never forget what they did to keep us free.
