LYNN — The Department of Veterans Services and the Lynn Veterans Council gathered at City Hall on Thursday to recognize 250 years of Marine Corps service.
The ceremony included Sgt. Brian Pereira and Staff Sgt. Kenneth Maine raising the Marine Corps flag outside City Hall before Daniel Clark sang the Marines Corps Hymn and the Star Spangled Banner.
Mayor Jared Nicholson, Lynn Veterans Services Director Mike Sweeney, Lynn Veterans Council President Charlie Griffin, and Boston Marine Corps Recruiting Station Executive Officer Capt. Eddie Diaz were the guest speakers. The celebration concluded with Sgt. Major Kenneth Oswald reading the Marine Corps 13th Commandment, and Veteran Martin McDonough and Pvt. Reid Smith cutting a birthday cake.
While presenting a City of Lynn Mayoral Proclamation, Nicholson applauded the Marine Corps for “incredible record of bravery and service.”
Capt. Diaz said, “Lynn has always produced people who know the meaning of hard work and commitment. It is that same spirit that makes a Marine, so it’s no surprise that many fine Marines have come from here. The connection between Lynn and the Marine Corps is written by the people.”
Diaz added, “As Marines, we are united by our history, our values, our unshakable brother and sisterhood that cannot be erased. Today, let’s celebrate the bond between this city and those who carry its name in battle.”
Lynn resident Paul Gouthro, who served in the Marine Corps from 1976-1980, resonated with Capt. Diaz’s words.
“The Marine Corps changed my life for the better. It becomes a part of your soul. It touches every fiber of your soul for the rest of your life. We are always Marines,” Gouthro said.
Meanwhile, McDonough said that Thursday’s event made him “proud” and reminded him that he “belongs in the Marines.”
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Sgt. Maj. Ken Oswald laughs with guest of honor Marine Corps Recruiting Station Boston Executive Officer and Lynn Classical graduate Cpt. Eddie Diaz during the 250th birthday celebration of the Marine Corps at Lynn City Hall on Thursday.
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Marine Corps veteran Dan Clark sings the Marine's Hymn during the 250th birthday of the Marine Corps celebration at Lynn City Hall on Thursday.
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Marine Corps veteran Dan Clark sings the Marine's Hymn during the 250th birthday of the Marine Corps celebration at Lynn City Hall on Thursday.
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Marine Corps veteran Richard Broadnax, of Haverhill, salutes the flag as the National Anthem is sung during Lynn's celebration of the Marine Corps' 250th birthday.
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Bob Lennon, a member of the Essex County Marine Corps League, salutes the flag as the National Anthem is sung during Lynn's celebration of the Marine Corps' 250th birthday.
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Lynn Mayor Jared Nicholson reads a proclamation during the 250th birthday celebration of the Marine Corps at Lynn City Hall on Thursday.
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Marine Corps Recruiting Station Boston Executive Officer and Lynn Classical graduate Cpt. Eddie Diaz delivers the keynote speech during Lynn's celebration of the Marine Corps' 250th birthday on Thursday.
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Swampscott Ray Harris is brought to tears as his daughter, USMC Capt. Jennifer Harris, who was killed while serving, is honored on her birthday during the 250th birthday celebration of the Marine Corps on Thursday at Lynn City Hall.
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Lynn Veterans Council President Charlie Griffin uses a KA-BAR knife to cut the cake during the celebration of the 250th birthday of the Marine Corps at Lynn City Hall on Thursday.
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Lynn Veterans Council President Charlie Griffin, left, stands with the oldest Marine present, Martin McDonough, the guest of honor USMC Capt. Eddie Diaz, and the youngest Marine, Private Reid Smith, during the 250th birthday celebration of the Marine Corps at Lynn City Hall on Thursday.
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The youngest Marine present, Private Reid Smith, holds his cake and cap during the 250th birthday celebration of the Marine Corps at Lynn City Hall on Thursday.
