Swampscott to hold vets appreciation event

SWAMPSCOTT – The front lines may be in the mountains of Afghanistan, but a Black Hawk helicopter will visit Swampscott as part of Veterans Appreciation Day on June 4.In addition, there will be an F-14 flyover and more than 2,000 marchers, including representatives of all five branches of the United States Armed Forces, will be part of the event to honor service members and the sacrifices they’ve made for their country.”The town of Swampscott has opened up its heart,” said Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1240 Commander John Sacherski. “This is a dream event and will send an awareness out to the community that these kids are serving.”Sacherski, who is a Marine Corps veteran, said that the June 4 event – which is scheduled to start at 10 a.m. – has been four years in the making.He noticed a growing number of soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan with serious physical and mental injuries, when he volunteered for events for homeless veterans,Another volunteer suggested holding a parade to bring awareness to veterans issues.So Sacherski contacted local Veterans Agent Jim Schultz, who had organized annual parades for Memorial Day and Armed Forces Day.”It’s such a headache to organize (a parade),” admitted Schultz. “But this is a real good way, especially with bin Laden gone, to step it up and remind people that (The War on Terror) is still going on and acknowledge the families that have lost someone.”The two began contacting different veterans groups, local color guards, Reserve Officers Training Corps programs, marching bands and other participants for the parade.They held golf tournaments and raffles to raise $42,000 for the event, Sacherski said, and invited Gold Star Families, who have lost a family member as a result of military service, to participate.Schultz added that “nobody will be disappointed” by the event.Sacherski estimated that more than 2,000 people will be marching in the parade. The parade will begin with historical review of the Armed Forces, said Schultz. Colonial Minutemen will be followed by military reenactors and veterans who will portray soldiers from the War of 1812, the Civil War and represent all the major wars up to the present day, Schultz said.Antique military vehicles and equipment will accompany marchers along the route, which begins at the base of Pleasant Street and follows Humphrey Street, Burrill Street and Essex Street to conclude at Swampscott High School.On the school’s playing fields, WWII reenactors will set up a “base camp” and a Black Hawk helicopter will land and then open up for tours.Meanwhile, representatives from all branches of the Armed Services will offer information about recruitment, the U.S. Air Force Rock Band will be performing and the Army will offer rock climbing for interested participants.”It’s going to be quite a thing to see; it’s going to be quite a thing to stage,” said Schultz.Town Administrator Andrew Maylor agreed. “It’s going to be a big event,” he said.Town officials are meeting to ensure that the organizers “have everything they need,” including such help as how to logistically maneuver a tank through town.Sacherski said that the parade will bring back a lot of “40-year-old memories” of his experience in the military. It will also fulfill the commitment he made to ensure that veterans received better treatment and support when they returned from war than he and his Vietnam veterans experienced, he said.”I know that the guys I served with in the Marines will be proud,” he said.But equally important is showing pride for current servicemen and servicewomen.”I know nobody wants their kid to go to war,” Sacherski said. “But they do go and serve their country and we’re really proud of them.”