LYNN —After a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, Freedom Fish Lynn is back, to the delight of the area’s boat-loving veterans.
The free fishing derby and luncheon will take place Saturday. First held in July of 2019, the popular event celebrates the bravery and sacrifice of the veterans of Lynn and the surrounding communities.
Freedom Fish Lynn is hosted by the Office of Mayor Jared C. Nicholson, the Department of Veterans Services, the Economic Development & Industrial Corporation of Lynn (EDIC/Lynn), the Lynn Housing Authority and Neighborhood Development, Lynn Veterans Council, and Disabled and Limbless Veterans, Inc. A number of individuals have generously volunteered their boats, fishing equipment, fuel and time.
“It’s exciting to welcome back Freedom Fish Lynn,” said Mayor Nicholson. “This event is a great way to bring local veterans together, to honor them and to utilize our beautiful harbor for recreation and enjoyment. Thank you to all the groups who worked hard to coordinate and make this wonderful event possible.”
“It’s really a community effort,” said Michael Sweeney, Director of Veterans Services for Lynn and Swampscott. “[EDIC/Lynn board member] Ted Smith was the driving force behind it, along with the EDIC staff. It’s been such a community effort—from the mayor to the police to the harbormaster—and it shows. And we’re so thankful to those donating their boats and fuel. It shows incredible generosity.”
Sweeney is a veteran himself, having served in Afghanistan. He is looking forward to getting out to fish with three other veterans.
“It’s unbelievable, all these veterans coming out and having a nice day together,” he said. “We’re excited. It’s a really respectful way to honor people’s service.”
Held in Lynn harbor, the day begins with check-in at 7 a.m. and boating and saltwater fishing by 8 a.m. For those who do not want to fish or who are not able to board on their own, there will be an ocean cruise to Boston and back. Registration is closed, and a good turnout is expected.
The event will end at the Blossom Street Extension public dock, where there will be a fish weigh-in at 2 p.m., followed by a barbecue and trophy presentation. At 3 p.m., Nicholson and EDIC/Lynn Executive Director James Cowdell will make check presentations of $8,000 to both the Lynn Veterans Council and Disabled and Limbless Veterans, Inc.
