NAHANT — Community members gathered inside the Life Saving Station Tuesday afternoon for a ceremony hosted by the Nahant American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary, and Sons of the American Legion.
Commander of the American Legion Auxiliary Post 215 Dennis Treece welcomed the crowd and expressed that he was happy to see the community gather “to honor the men and women who served in the United States military forces.”
“The timing of this holiday is no accident. At 11 a.m. on Nov. 11, 1918, the guns in World War I fell silent, ending the fighting for what was called at the time ‘the war to end all wars,’” Treece explained. “But today, it’s about more than remembering that historic event: It’s about recognizing the courage, sacrifice, and dedication of those who stood ready to defend our nation and preserve our freedom throughout its history.”
Treece continued, “Today, we remember that our veterans are special people. They did not — and do not — stray from doing their duty, regardless of personal cost. As long as the world remains a dangerous place, our military stands ready to answer the call to battle when so ordered.”
Vice Commander Bob Fields was the next to speak; he read about the importance of the holiday.
“If there be glory in military service, it is the utmost incredible spirit that it engenders. A tight bond is forged among those who train together, see military service together, suffer together, and triumph together… It should, therefore, not be the glory of war we praise, but rather the glory of the men and women who undergo the rigors of tough training, hard work, long hours, family separation, and the ever-present threat that they might be injured or die in military service,” Fields said.
Post 215 Veterans Service Officer Dana Sheehan said he was impressed by how much support veterans have received from the community.
He also said that courage is one of the virtues born from war.
“There is bravery to be shown in peace as well. May we recapture the courage which could turn the wilderness into cities, that bound us together in government. We can turn slums into comfortable homes, turn uncertainty into home… The bravery that fights for political, social, and economic and spiritual gains may be more difficult to practice — and may be unsung in what it achieved — but may be all the more precious and worth striving for,” Sheehan said.
Sons of the American Legion Squadron Commander Carl Jenkins said the practice of telling veterans “thank you for your service goes a long way to heal wounds from a time when the country blamed the warrior for the wars they were called upon to fight.”
“From defeating communism, fascism, and imperialism, to winning the Cold War and battling terrorism, veterans have accomplished remarkable things… These are the citizens in active service who know that the price of freedom is a promissory note signed with blood, should it come to that,” Jenkins said.
Rep. Sean Reid said that it was a beautiful day to appreciate the sacrifices made by veterans and their loved ones, adding that Nahant “has one of the most loving and respected communities when it comes to supporting veterans and all who have served.”
