LYNN — The City of Lynn honored Vietnam veterans with a commemorative ceremony held at City Hall on Thursday morning.
There, Lynn residents and veterans gathered inside the foyer alongside members of the Essex County Marine Corps League, the Lynn Police Department, and City Council members, including Councilor-at-Large Nicole McClain, who served two terms in Iraq, and Ward 4 Councilor Natasha Megie-Maddrey.
The Lynn English Marine Corps JROTC members, including Adriana Perez, Rayan Tasawwar, Audrey Peña, and Smailen Hernandez, presented the colors. Mike Sweeney, director for Lynn/Swampscott Veterans’ services then gave the opening address, where he emphasized the significance of the Vietnam Veterans Day as a “time to recognize a generation of service members who answer the country’s call on the most trying of circumstances.”
“Today, we stand together to ensure that service is remembered with dignity and respect that is always to serve,” Sweeney added. “We also extend our deepest gratitude to the families, friends, and loved ones who have carried that service and sacrifice forward.”
Mayor Jared Nicholson presented a proclamation to Essex County Marine Corps League member Bob Lennon, declaring March 26 as Vietnam Veterans Day in Lynn.
“The Vietnam War was, as we all know, a challenging time in our nation’s history for lots of reasons, and I think that’s why it’s so important that we carve out the time today, all these years later, to make sure that what stands above all that… in thinking about that war and that time in our country’s history, is our gratitude to those who serve it and our belief in the ideals for which they sacrifice,” Nicholson said.
Sweeney then read the names of those in Lynn who served in the war. After, the room collectively stood for a moment of silence in honor of them while, outside near the steps of City Hall, the Essex County Marine Corps League saluted the fallen.
“As each name is read, we ask that you reflect upon their courage and their service,” he said.
Lynn will continue to honor veterans and first responders on Sept. 20 at the 2026 North Shore Veterans & First Responders Parade, which begins at 1 p.m.
Photo: Spenser Hasak | Purchase this photo
Photo: Spenser Hasak | Purchase this photo
Photo: Spenser Hasak | Purchase this photo
Photo: Spenser Hasak | Purchase this photo
Photo: Spenser Hasak | Purchase this photo
Photo: Spenser Hasak | Purchase this photo
Photo: Spenser Hasak | Purchase this photo
Photo: Spenser Hasak | Purchase this photo
