LYNN — The annual Vietnam Veterans Day Ceremony, sponsored by the Lynn/Swampscott Department of Veterans Services, was held at City Hall and honored the city’s 19 Vietnam veterans who died during the war.
Mike Sweeney, the director of veterans services for Lynn, first spoke and had veterans stand up, receiving a lot of applause from the room.
The 19 veterans from Lynn who died during the Vietnam War were recognized by Sweeney: Cpl. Edward Anderson, Pfc. Frederick G. Atkinson, Lance Cpl. Kevin A. Cahill, Sgt. Kenneth R. Carter, Cpl. David A. Chisholm, Lance Cpl. John D. Evans, Pfc. Eric A. Fisher, Cpl. William J. Flint, Cpl. Norman W. Grant Jr., Cpl. James J. Hazard, Pfc. John J. Mailloux, Specialist 5 Michael L. McCafferty, Pfc. Irving G. Miller, Lance Cpl. Robert J. Nelson, Cpl. William J. O’Brien, Cpl. George A. Odiorne, Cpl. Peter J. Pennucci, Specialist 4 John L Ramsey, and Specialist 5 Carleton W. Upton.
A long moment of silence followed.
Sweeney emphasized the importance of providing community recognition for veterans and ensuring that there are enough resources and services available in the city for issues such as PTSD and homelessness.
The Lynn Armory, which is being transformed into affordable housing for veterans, was given by Sweeney as an example of a vital step in the right direction for Lynn.
City Council Veterans Commission Chair Nicole McClain also described the importance of accessibility to the resources and services Sweeney mentioned.
McClain herself served in the military in two different operations in Iraq and mentioned how grateful she was to receive the resources available to her when she got home. She thanked the Vietnam veterans for paving a different path for her and other future veterans.
“I just really want to thank you for spreading awareness, making sure our country understands the importance of our community, our service, and our sacrifice. We are indebted to you,” McClain said.
She also mentioned her commitment to the cause.
“With the support of the city, I’m able to continue to provide services,” McClain said.
Mayor Jared Nicholson made a proclamation at the ceremony, stating that Lynn continues to honor the brave men and women who served in the Vietnam War and proclaiming March 29 as Vietnam Veterans Day in the city.
Many community members attended the event and came to honor those they knew and loved who died in the war, and expressed their appreciation that the city continues to pay its respects to them during the annual ceremony.
Jane Cahill was there to honor her brother-in-law Kevin A. Cahill, who was one of the 19 Vietnam veterans from Lynn who died during the war.
“It was nice to see his name mentioned,” Cahill said. “He was just a young guy, 19 years old, graduated from Lynn English High School, and then…”
Cahill said that she appreciated everyone from the city who came to honor her brother-in-law and the other 18 veterans who died in the conflict.
“The individuals that serve deserve our unending gratitude,” Nicholson said. “And it’s on all of us to fulfill that commitment every day.”
