LYNN — The Department of Veterans Services and the Lynn Veterans Council honored the 250th birthday of the U.S. Navy on Tuesday.
The United States Navy was established on Oct. 13, 1775, and Lynn veterans and elected officials gathered at City Hall for a flag raising and cake-cutting ceremony.
The flag was raised outside City Hall by Navy veterans Jim Marshall, Walter Gutherie, and Milton Laub. Mayor Jared Nicholson then presented a proclamation from his office.
“For 250 years, the United States Navy has answered the call of duty in times of war and peace to preserve democracy at home and abroad, and to keep waterways safe and open for global commerce. Lynn is proud to be (the) home of many Navy veterans and their families. Today, we celebrate the continued strength, professionalism, and bravery of our ready and resilient sailors,” Nicholson said.
Navy veteran Capt. Stephen Castinetti, a 1966 graduate from St. Mary’s High School, spoke about the U.S. Navy’s origins, advancement, and legacy.
“The history of the United States Navy is a story of transformation, innovation, and commitment to national security and international peace. The Navy has shaped the course of American history and has continued to safeguard the nation’s interests around the world,” Castinetti said.
The ceremony wrapped up with the youngest Navy veteran in the room, Jim Marshall, and the oldest, Walter Gutherie, doing the honor of cutting the cake.
“I think the City of Lynn does their veterans very well. It’s an honor to come to this. I was from the Vietnam era when nobody liked us. So to come back to an event like this, where everyone thanks us for our service, it means a lot,” Gutherie told The Item.
“Being a Vietnam veteran, we weren’t treated very well when we came home. So events like these are really important,” echoed Marshall.
