Lynn celebrates Memorial Day

LYNN – “For me, you have to internalize and look at your surroundings,” said Hanz Valverde, who just retired from the U.S. Army, at the Lynn Memorial Day parade Monday.?We are fortunate here because other men and women sacrificed their hopes and dreams so we can have ours,” Valverde said. “Men and women made the ultimate sacrifice for their country and those not fortunate enough did not come back home.”Other spectators along the route – which ran from North Shore Community College?s parking lot (Washington Street entrance); Broad Street; Market Street; City Hall Square; North Common Street; Park Street; Boston Street, ending in front of Pine Grove Cemetery – shot video and took pictures, but Valverde just took it all in in the moment. Some onlookers sat in lawn chairs and waved American flags, while others leaned out of their apartment windows to catch a glimpse of the parade.?Their unselfishness and patriotism speaks volumes,” Valverde said. “For good reasons and bad, they stepped up. Today is a time for everyone to reflect and appreciate that.”He urged people to shake hands with or thank the grieving widows, or other family members who lost a loved one.?They have to continue that legacy left behind,” Valverde said. “That?s huge. We have to think about how we can integrate them on a daily basis.”Valverde said the spirit of Memorial Day, although a parade can?t occur daily, should be cherished daily.?Time?s a gift,” Valverde said. “Someone already sacrificed themselves for it. You never know what?s going to happen.”Valverde said the meaning of Memorial Day depends on who you ask.For Lorraine “Lorie” Landry, 83, who served during the Korean conflict, it meant it was the first time Lynn has honored a female veteran as its grand marshal – riding in the processional second behind the color guards and before local politicians.?I?m honored, and so very proud,” Landry said. “They?ve always had male grand marshals. I received a commemorative plaque and a written citation from the state, mayor and city councilors.”She identified herself as extremely patriotic.?I loved serving my country,” Landry said.Elizabeth Rozon, a sophomore in Lynn English High School?s JROTC program, marched with about 150 other cadets.?We are memorializing veterans who fought in wars and showing respect to the fallen,” Rozon said.But for Joan Noble, of the Polish Legion of American Veterans, who was escorted by Parker Funeral Home, it?s about remembrance.?A sad commentary is that so many who have given so much many times are forgotten,” Noble said. “This is my way of paying my respects. I?m dedicated to our veterans.?For Dan Staub, he found out something new with his 7-year-old son, Boaz. They were at the parade formation at North Shore Community College and learned about the organization.?I now understand how it becomes organized in the beginning,” Dan Staub said. “I always just watched it from the streets. I understand the order – how people are arranged by war and group.”Douglas Gillette said it?s the small things that make the world go round.?I like how different groups, such as the ROTC, army, and councilmen show their support and what it means to them,” Gillette said after the parade. “People behind the scenes, who you don?t see everyday, show appreciation for the people who served.”