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Lynn English Marine Corps JROTC members Alex Gomez, left, and Jimmy Macario-Matul flip their rifles in unison as they perform during Lynn's Veterans Day ceremony. (Spenser Hasak) Purchase this photo

In Lynn, City Hall filled with inspiration

Jackie Manno

by

LYNN — Local veterans, their families, and elected officials gathered at City Hall on Tuesday for a ceremony honoring those who served in the military at home and abroad.

The ceremony of remembrance included words of gratitude from Director of Lynn-Swampscott Veterans’ Services Mike Sweeney and Lynn Veterans Council Secretary Sgt. Major Kenneth Oswald.

Rep. Dan Cahill, Rep. Sean Reid, Ward 1 Councilor Pete Meaney, Ward 2 Councilor Obed Matul, Ward 3 Councilor Coco Alinsug, Ward 4 Councilor Natasha Megie-Maddrey, Ward 7 Councilor Jay Walsh, and Councilors-at-Large Nicole McClain, Hong Net, Brian Field, and Brian LaPierre were also present.

Before the event, many of the councilors served breakfast to local veterans to thank them for their service.

U.S. Navy Veteran Richard Felton gave a prayer during the ceremony before former Lynn Public Schools math teacher Gayle Bastarache sang “God Bless America” and “Amazing Grace.”

Meanwhile, the LPS marching band performed “The Star-Spangled Banner,” “Taps,” and the official songs for the United States Airforce, Army, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard, and Space Force. Cadets from the Lynn English Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps then gave the Presentation of Colors and presented a drill demonstration.

Mayor Jared Nicholson and McClain, the latter who is the chair of the Veterans Committee and an Iraq veteran, urged the community to continue to support veterans during and after their service.

Nicholson said that Veterans Day gives the community the opportunity to “reflect on the magnitude of service from veterans and the role that it has played in our history that allows us to have the country we have today, the democracy we have today, and the freedoms we enjoy.”

He added, “The leadership (and) the values that veterans developed while serving their country in uniform are some things that our veterans bring with them for the rest of their lives — and bring to our community.”

McClain highlighted the work of organizations including Disabled American Veterans Chapter 64, Habitat Plus, Lynn Veterans Council, and Lynn’s Department of Veterans Services for their dedication to “ensuring that no one is left behind when their military chapter closes and a new one opens.”

“Lynn, let’s commit ourselves anew this Veterans Day to live up to that promise of lest we forget. Let’s remember, not just in ceremony, but in service. Let’s build a city worthy of your dedication. Let’s make sure our veterans past, present, and future know they are honored, supported, and held in the highest respect,” McClain said.

The formal celebration concluded with approximately 40 local veterans walking on stage and receiving recognition from the City.

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