LYNNFIELD — More than 70 years after they gave their lives for their country in World War II, the legacy of the Todd brothers has not been forgotten.
As part of the town’s Veterans Day ceremony Friday, a Gold Star commemorative plaque was unveiled on the Todd Lane street sign. Lynnfield natives Private David B. Todd and his brother, First Lieutenant Charles N. Todd, were killed in action during the war.
“I’m deeply appreciative of recalling the memory of these gallant men who helped the cause during the World War II,” said Charles Todd, nephew of the brothers. “This will help our family take more seriously the sacrifices of Charles and David. We feel a tremendous sense of loss of having never met them.”
Bruce Siegel, the town’s veterans agent, said the ceremony could not have happened without the help of the selectmen including Helen Breen, who helped contact the Todd family, and Lou Trapaso, a Todd Lane resident who honored the service of the Todd brothers by placing two American flags on the Todd Lane sign for many years.
Selectmen Chairman Christopher Barrett spoke of the importance of honoring all who have made sacrifices for the country, especially hometown heroes. Selectmen are planning to do further research to find streets named after Gold Star veterans.
“The Todd brothers were truly boys of Lynnfield and they had a long life in front of them with much hope and a family who loved them back home,” said Barrett. “These two young men were the beloved sons of a family long dedicated to our town. These boys answered the call of duty when America, and most importantly the world, needed them most.”
