SWAMPSCOTT — The town paused to acknowledge the strength and sacrifices of its veterans on Tuesday with a breakfast followed by a formal celebration on Humphrey Street.
Veterans gathered inside the Senior Center at 9 a.m. for the free breakfast, sponsored by the Rotary Club, and they were treated to a brief show by the Lynn English Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC).
Jeffrey Blonder, commander of the E.F. Gilmore DAV, stressed his gratitude to Director of Aging Services Heidi Whear for opening the Senior Center’s doors to veterans in the community.
Blonder said he’s proud of the way Swampscott treats its veterans.
“Veterans are people just like everybody else… We’ve sacrificed a lot to make this country great, and we continue to make it great by serving our country in veterans organizations or town government,” Blonder said.
Whear expressed her thanks to veterans for “the service they’ve given” and for “carrying the pride of the country.”
Later on, crowds gathered by Town Hall for a ceremony hosted by Lynn-Swampscott Veterans’ Services.
The opening prayer was read by Fire Department Chaplain Rev. Mark Templeman. Also featured in the program were Girl Scouts of Ocean Bay, Boy Scouts Troop 53, and Cub Scouts Pack 55. The national anthem was performed by Swampscott High School student Scout Myers.
After a medley of service songs, guest speaker Warren Griffin — past national commandant of the Marine Corps League — spoke from the heart about a Vietnam veteran from Swampscott named John Champion, as they both served together. Then, a special presentation and salute to veterans was done by Erin DiLisio and Swampscott Elementary School.
Lynn-Swampscott Veterans’ Service Director Mike Sweeney stressed the notion of keeping veterans in mind.
“It’s important to remember those service members that are in harm’s way… And that’s who we honor today, and that’s why I’m proud to be here today in Swampscott,” Sweeney said. “I think we do a great job when the community comes together.”
He added that, as the nation nears its 250th birthday, “honoring our veterans reminds us that freedom ensures because of their service.”
