LYNN — Freedom Fish Lynn, a day that provides veterans with a free day of saltwater fishing, returns July 15.
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 (LHAND), Lynn Veterans Council, and Disabled and Limbless Veterans, Inc.
More than 40 individuals have generously volunteered their boats and fishing equipment, according to EDIC/Lynn Executive Director Jim Cowdell. Money raised through sponsorships of the event will be used for veteran support and services. Last year, $20,000 was raised, with more than 100 veterans participating.
“This has become a very popular event and one we are thrilled to present,” Cowdell said. “It’s a way of saying ‘thank you’ to veterans from Lynn and neighboring communities we are proud to be part of it.”
First held in July of 2019, the popular event celebrates the bravery and sacrifice of the veterans of Lynn and the surrounding communities. After being canceled in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic, it returned last year. It is open to any veteran or active military member?.
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.
“It is impossible to thank our veterans enough,” Nicholson said. “This event takes advantage of our access to the ocean and allows us to provide them with hopefully an experience they will never forget.”
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 approximately 3 p.m., Nicholson and EDIC/Lynn Executive Director James Cowdell will make check presentations to the Lynn Veterans Council and Disabled and Limbless Veterans, Inc.
“We are excited to offer veterans this recreational and social opportunity,” said Charles Gaeta, chair of the EDIC/Lynn board and executive director of LHAND. “Lynn has always made caring for veterans a priority and this is just one example.”
For more information, contact Pauline Sabino at [email protected] or 781-581-9399.
