Veterans Council to return with appointment of veteran Richard Holmes

After a seven-year hiatus due to a lack of members, the Wareham Veterans Council's meetings will resume thanks to the appointment of Navy veteran Richard Holmes.

Holmes, born and raised in Wareham, was appointed at the Tuesday, Jan. 6 Select Board meeting.  The Wareham Veterans Council is a board that supports veterans with recognition and organizes events around town like Memorial Day and Veterans Day gatherings.

Holmes is a member of the Dudley Brown VFW and hopes to be involved with various veteran affairs with his time on the council.

"This is something that I can hopefully do to help somebody," he said. 

Enlisting for the Vietnam War, Holmes, a Petty Officer Second Class, served in the Navy for over four years before coming home due to an injury. His father Bradford Holmes was a prisoner of war, captured during the Battle of The Bulge in the second world war.

Holmes spoke of his father as a focus in his upcoming time on the council. Bradford Holmes served as plow operator, assistant harbormaster and herring agent for the Town of Wareham.

"I look forward to trying to help out," he said. "I mean, there's a lot of things we need to talk about."

The Select Board gave thanks to Holmes for his time serving the country. Chair Judith Whiteside emphasized the importance of honoring veterans and gave Holmes words many Vietnam soldiers did not hear following the war.

"Nobody welcomed you home but, welcome home," she said. "Thank you for serving."

Holmes position on the council will expire in June 2027.