LYNN — English High School juniors and seniors gathered to commemorate Veterans Day Wednesday.
The event also featured a reading of the poem “It Is The Soldier” by Charles Michael Province from Senior Class Vice President Carliana Mejia-Ortiz.
The centerpiece of the ceremony, which, according to teacher Frank Grealish, was the first assembly since the pandemic, was a drill presentation by the school’s MCJROTC program.
The event also featured performances of the national anthem by the school’s Concert Choir and Chorus and renditions by the Lynn English Band of “Salute to America’s Finest” and “America the Beautiful.”
City Councilor-at-Large Nicole McClain, who is a veteran of the Army National Guard, was one veterans who spoke at the event, encouraged the students to remember the sacrifices of veterans and to do more to support them in the community.
“I am proud of my service of this country and gained a lot of experience in my time as a soldier,” McClain, who was deployed to Iraq twice, said.
McClain credited organizations like the Lynn-Swampscott Veterans’ Services for assisting her when she returned to civilian life, something she said other veterans were unable to take advantage of.
“There are many veterans who are unaware of what is out there for them,” McClain said. “We need volunteers in our community and our veterans department that are able to conduct outreach.”
McClain said she hoped that such events would help show veterans that their sacrifices are appreciated.
“Assemblies like this help veterans feel appreciated and cared for, and I thank you for making sure things like this continue to happen,” McClain said. “As a community, we are showing that we care… We need to stand with our veterans the way they stood and continue to stand with us all.”
Retired Brigadier General of the Massachusetts Army National Guard Andrea Gayle-Bennett was another guest speaker at the event who said she was grateful to share her perspective on Veteran’s Day with the school community.
“Veteran’s Day is a time when we remind each other to stop and honor those who served in the military,” Gayle-Bennett said. “It’s not just a day off from school or work, but a day dedicated to the individuals that dedicated their lives to defending our freedoms and this country.”
Gayle-Bennett served for nearly 40 years in the Massachusetts Army National Guard and was deployed multiple times in her military career, including in Paraguay, Iraq, and Kenya.
According to Gayle-Bennett, supporting veterans involves showing empathy for the physical and emotional tolls that many veterans suffer. She encouraged students and staff alike to take time to learn about veteran’s stories and get an appreciation for their sacrifices, as well as volunteering time and talents to support local veterans through community organizations.
Gayle-Bennett said, at least, showing gratitude toward veterans is one of the best ways to show the support.
“When you meet a veteran, take a moment to thank them,” Gayle-Bennett said. “Your gratitude and recognition mean the world to those who served.”
