WAKEFIELD — The town of Wakefield will honor all veterans, fallen or standing, on Tuesday, Nov. 11 at 11 a.m. on the grounds of the Galvin Middle School.
The ceremony will begin with a greeting by American Legion Commander Thomas Collins followed by posting of the colors by the American Legion Post 63 Color Guard.
The Pledge of Allegiance, led by Collins, will follow the Posting of the Colors, and an invocation will be given by Rev. Matthew P. Cadwell, Ph.D., rector of Emmanuel Episcopal Church.
The National Anthem will then be sung by the Wakefield Memorial High School Chamber Singers under the direction of Ann Morel in addition to a selection by members of the high school wind ensemble, “Armed Forces — The Pride of America,” under the direction of Thomas Bankert.
Brian E. Falvey, chairman of the Board of Selectmen, will follow with an introduction to State Rep. Donald Wong (R-Saugus and Wakefield) and State Rep. Paul Brodeur (D-Melrose). State Sen. Jason Lewis will continue with greetings from the Commonwealth.
The high school Chamber Singers will then perform “Of Thee I Sing” by David Brunner while under the direction of Morel.
The Wakefield Choral Society, under the direction of Joshua Rohde, also will sing “Song for the Unsung Hero” by Pamela and Joseph Martin and “Eternal Father, Strong to Save,” arranged by Mack Wiberg with accompanist Joseph Beninati.
A special rededication of the Galvin Middle School Veterans memorial pictures will be presented by Jay Pinette, United State Marine Corps, with guest speaker Chester Paris, veteran of the United States Air Force, AL Post 63 Judge Advocate. A Malden resident, Paris is currently with the Harry E. Nelson American Legion Post 63 of Wakefield and the Jr. Vice Commander of the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 85.
He served in the Air Force during the Korean War, is a member of the Korean War Veterans Association and graduated from the Boston University School of Management and School of Law in 1965.
Recognition of Gold Star Parents in the audience will then follow with a closing benediction by Rev. Cadwell. Colors will then be retired by the Color Guard.
The program will conclude with a thanks to veterans for making America number 1.