LYNN — The United States Air Force was officially established 78 years ago on Sept. 18, and to honor its history, Lynn veterans and elected officials gathered for a birthday celebration at City Hall on Thursday.
The ceremony included raising the Air Force Flag outside of City Hall while the Air Force song played. Lynn Veteran Jim Smith then sang The National Anthem, before Mayor Jared C. Nicholson presented a proclamation from the city to the Air Force.
“The city of Lynn is a home to those who have served and are proudly serving our nation as airmen either on active duty, reserve status or in our air national guard, and whereas the United States Air Force plays a critical role in defending our nation’s skies and ensuring our continued freedom at home and around the world. The city of Lynn proudly recognizes the contributions and sacrifices made by our outstanding airmen,” the proclamation read.
The celebration concluded with a tradition of having the youngest veteran in the room, Brenda Gibb, and the oldest veteran in the room, Dexter Bishop, cutting a cake and taking the first bites.
Gibb served in the Air Force as a medic who was stationed in Maine from 1974 to 1978. A longtime Lynn resident, she joined the Lynn Veterans Council last year after a suggestion from Council President Charlie Griffin.
“I love events like these, because the Veterans Council goes all out. They do a lot for the city, but you don’t always see it in action; you sometimes just see the aftereffects. I think everybody should be recognized,” Gibb told the Item.
Bishop served as a radio and computer technician in the Air Force from 1960 to 1964. He now serves as a Board of Trustees Member for the Grand Army Republic Hall and Museum in Lynn.
“If we don’t remember our history, we’re bound to repeat it. So I think any time we have an opportunity to celebrate a veteran, it should be done. It’s great that here in the city, they do remember their service, and this is one of the ways to do that. It’s important,” Bishop said.
