Lynn lines up to salute veterans

LYNN – Parade Chief Marshal Arthur Salkins was just as thrilled for the parade as other participants and spectators who lined the streets of Lynn on the summer-like Memorial Day, but still something weighed on the Air Force vet.Glancing at the group of Vietnam veterans from Lynn Chapter 908 talking and laughing as they lined up to march, Salkins said he was honored to be marching among his brothers once again.”Nothing means more to me than serving and helping the veterans. I’ve dedicated my life to that,” said Salkins.Salkins’ eyes were shaded with sunglasses, but suddenly his voice broke as he remembered the brothers who were not there to march with him. “I have friends on the wall in D.C., you know,” he said slowly, referring to the Vietnam Memorial. “There are guys I went to school with on that wall in D.C., and then some are buried in Pine Grove.”Pointing to his friends, Salkins added, “One of those guys I’ve known since I was 14. They are my brothers. We have each other’s backs.”According to his comrades, Salkins is the youngest chief marshal the parade has had in years, since the last few were World War II veterans. “Memorial Day is a day to remember all generations who sacrificed their lives during wartime. That’s what is special about it to me,” said the Franco-American post commander, who served in Southeast Asia during the 1960s. Salkins said he’s been marching in Lynn’s Memorial Day parade for about 25 years.It was only fitting that the hundreds who turned out to march alongside Salkins to honor vets from every generation represented every age group from the smallest Girl Scout, to the 185-cadet high school ROTC team, to the veterans and nurses riding in cars between them.Desiree Robins, like Salkins, was a seasoned parade participant, marching in her third Memorial Day parade on Monday. The 10-year-old New Hampshire resident was dressed from head to toe in red, white and blue to march with her mother in the American Legion Auxiliary group, her responsibility being to throw candy from her bucket to the children on the sidewalk. “My favorite is to walk with my mom and see all the children happy,” she said. “And you get to see all the soldiers.”As the parade left the formation grounds at North Shore Community College and marched towards Pine Grove Cemetery, onlookers watched the usual groups go by, including local representatives, four bands, the color guard and the Boy and Girl Scouts of America, and cheered and waved their flags. It was a familiar showing of gratitude and pride for those who had served, but to Salkins, there was nothing usual about it. “Every Memorial Day is special,” he said. And to be elected to share in the responsibility of it all, Salkins said, “It’s an honor.”Kait Taylor can be reached at [email protected].