A solemn salute in Lynn

LYNN – “This makes you understand,” said Kenneth Mailloux Thursday night, minutes after he joined other loved ones in presenting a wreath in memory of his uncle, John, at The Wall That Heals on Fraser Field.For more coverage of the traveling wall click here.To see a photo gallery of the wall parade and more click hereClick here for the Traveling Wall Special SectionMailloux and the relatives of 18 other Lynn residents who lost their lives in the Vietnam War saluted their brothers, son, uncles and nephews Thursday evening as an appreciative crowd applauded.The two-hour event began with the posting of the colors and ended with a bagpiper playing as he slowly walked the length of the 250-foot, half-sized version of the Vietnam Memorial in Washington D.C.”Some of my men are on that wall,” said Vietnam veteran and North Shore Community College President Wayne Burton as he watched the wreath-laying ceremony that included a presentation by Colleen Piper and Marblehead veterans in honor of the late Christopher Piper.Medal of Honor recipient and state Veterans Services Secretary Thomas Kelley said the wall is a salute to courage and sacrifice.”For 10 years America’s soldiers never lost a major battle. They fought with as much selfless sacrifice as soldiers in any war. This wall reminds us of the special bond of soldier to country,” Kelley said.He said increased Veterans Administration benefits, the crusade to treat medical problems caused by Agent Orange, a jungle defoliant used in Vietnam, and the struggle to find comrades missing in action were initiatives launched by Vietnam veterans.”Their legacy is alive and fresh in the minds of young heroes who defend us today. I’ve had the privilege to visit them in VA hospitals and they say they are simply living up to the incredibly high standards set by Vietnam vets,” Kelley said.State Sen. Thomas M. McGee praised the veterans organizations and organizers responsible for bringing the wall to Lynn for its around-the-clock visit through midnight Sunday.”It’s so important we never forget the hard work that went into making this a reality,” he said.Mayor Edward J. Clancy Jr. called the wall of symbol of pride but also a testament to “melancholy for all those who did not return.”Thursday’s ceremony including an invocation by Rev. Dean Pedersen, musical selections performed by the Lynn Public School Band, two selections sung by Brian Landry and a 21-gun salute by Battery “A,” 1/101st Field Artillery.”It means a lot to me,” said Mailloux as the evening came to an end.