LYNN —The 4th Annual Freedom Fish attracted more than 100 veterans to Blossom Street Pier for a fun day of fishing and cruising along Boston Harbor on Saturday.
The event was sponsored by the Economic Development and Industrial Development Corporation, the Mayor’s Office, the Lynn Housing and Neighborhood Development Authority, and the Lynn Veterans’ Council.
This year’s Freedom Fish raised $10,000 for the Disabled and Limbless Veterans Inc. and $10,000 for the Lynn Veterans Council. Over the past 4 years, the annual event has accumulated $60,000 for both organizations.
“It’s a way for us to say thank you to the folks who have done so much for us,” EDIC/Lynn Executive Director Jim Cowdell said.
Around 50 captains donate their boats to be used for the event, Cowdell said. He added the planning for Freedom Fish begins in February and volunteers show up as early a 5:30 a.m. to get ready for the day.
“Everyone volunteers their time and it’s a great group,” he added.
Mayor Jared Nicholson said he is thrilled that the event has become a successful tradition in the broader effort to support veterans in the City of Lynn, “the people who have served it and make what we have here in Lynn and in this country possible.
“We work closely to try to make sure that we are showing our respect for our veterans with events like these but also in the day to day work,” he said.
Lloyd Brown, Sergeant at Arms for the Lynn Veterans Council, who served for four years in the Marine Corps said sometimes veterans can feel embarrassed about seeking assistance, so events such as Freedom Fish helps to show they have a supportive community.
“In any way, shape, or form, we all need each other,” he said.
President of Disabled and Limbless Veterans Inc. Dominic Marcellino said it was an incredible day.
“To get 50 captains to donate their boats in the middle of a Saturday in the middle of a summer, it’s really a great thing,” he said.
During the event, Todd Angilly sang the national anthem and the Lynn English ROTC performed a marching drill order.
