The weather held up for Veterans Day on the North Shore, as communities celebrated those who served in the Armed Forces of the United States throughout the area.
Communities came together to show support for veterans and share stories. There were marching bands, color guards, guest speeches, and even an opera performance in Lynn by Brian Landry.
Members of local governments and veterans’ organizations gathered in outdoor settings to celebrate residents.
Lynn honored veterans at the Frederick Douglass Bandstand on the Lynn Common. Presenting the colors was the Lynn English High School (LEHS) Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC). LEHS Marine Corps JROTC also did a drill presentation for those who attended the Veterans Day ceremony.
Opera singer and city resident Landry opened the ceremony with the national anthem and closed the ceremony with the song “America.”
“It’s been too long since we’ve been able to come together and I just wanted to thank everyone here, especially the veterans that are here today,” Veterans Services Director Michael Sweeney told the crowd.
Mayor Thomas M. McGee was also present and shared his gratitude for all those who served.
“We all have family members, we all have friends, we all have the impact of what veterans have made on us collectively and in our own personal lives,” McGee said. “Today is so important to remember that, from the historic progression that all of the different generations have served this country, that we recognize today.”
The Lynn Public Schools All-City Marching Band presented a medley of service songs, as well as a medley of patriotic tunes.
Meanwhile, in Lynnfield, approximately 400 residents gathered on the Town Common to honor those who have served the country at the annual Veterans Day observance.
“Because of them, we are the land of the free,” Veterans Services Agent Bruce Siegel said in his opening remarks. “We need to be mindful to honor our veterans not just today, but every day.”
The day kicked off with a rolling car parade, which snaked its way from the Our Lady of the Assumption parking lot all the way to the Common, where several decorated cars lined South Common Street.
Girl Scouts troops, including the Brownies and Daisies, led the crowd with a rendition of “God Bless America,” while Boy Scout Troop 48 and Cub Scout Troop 48 displayed flags. The Lynnfield High School (LHS) band played the national anthem and other military-themed musical pieces. An honor guard fired a rifle salute.
Several local leaders and officials were on hand to offer their thoughts, including the Rev. Robert Bacon of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, state Rep. Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading), and state Sen. Brendan Crighton (D-Lynn).
The celebration was closed out by LHS senior Andrew Scangas and sophomore Lucas Adreani, who played Taps, the military’s traditional final call of the day.
“We were a little bit nervous to play in front of a large crowd, but it was an honor to play,” said Adreani.
Marblehead had a full house at Town Hall celebrating Veterans Day.
“What a wonderful day with the best people ever. Thank you, veterans. We could not have made today happen without the generous donations from National Grand Bank, Shubie’s, Starbucks, Dandee Donuts, Stone & Compass, Blue Canoe Cafe & Mhead H.O.P. & Regan & Tolan Families,” the town’s Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) chapter said on Facebook after the events.
Nahant also celebrated veterans, hosting a ceremony at the Veterans Park within Lowlands Park. Bob Fields led the service as commander of the American Legion Post 215.
“It was a glorious day for remembering and honoring our nation’s and local veterans,” said Fields.
Peabody celebrated its Veterans Day at City Hall, where people gathered outside to observe a series of services.
“Like all organizations, our numbers are dwindling,” Peabody Veterans Council Commander Robert Dunne said during the ceremony. “Many members who were with us last year are not with us anymore. We will remember them on Memorial Day, (and) we are always looking for new members to join and participate in our organizations.”
“Today we honor all veterans of all wars in times of service,” said Dunne, who also reminded residents that November is Military Family Appreciation Month. “Whether you serve now or used to serve, your family serves with you.”
“I look around and see all of our veterans and their families, people we’ve really gotten to care about and they are so wonderful to the city of Peabody, and I enjoyed getting to know them and hearing their stories,” Don White, the city’s Disabled American Veterans commander, said to the crowd.
White paid tribute to Theodore Lazarakis, who died on Sunday. Lazarakis was 104 and Peabody’s oldest World War II veteran.
“I felt like I knew him well, but I had little awareness of what Ted did for our country; there are so many examples here of heroism and sacrifice,” said White. “The United States is not perfect but we are the best country in the world and it’s because of the sacrifices and hard work from all of you (veterans).”
Over in Saugus, the town held its annual Veterans Day ceremony at Veterans Park. Former Veterans Service Officer Andy Biggio was the keynote speaker.
A large crowd of Saugus veterans stood in the front of the audience while Biggio thanked them for their service.
Biggio has also written a book called “The Rifle,” which shares the stories of veterans from all over and their experiences while serving in numerous wars.
Swampscott honored veterans at their annual Veterans Day ceremony on Monument Avenue. The Swampscott Senior Center also sponsored a breakfast for Swampscott veterans.
John MacGillivray of the Marine Corps League spoke to the crowd, sharing his gratitude to those who served for the country.
“Great day celebrating Veterans Day in Swampscott. Perfect weather and great turnout … Very patriotic town,” said MacGillivray after the ceremony on social media.
After Veterans Day was put on hold or made virtual in 2020, this year’s events and services were a strong reminder of the debt this country owes to the men and women who serve.
Item writer Anne Marie Tobin contributed to this report.
