Wareham recalls veterans’ service, sacrifice
Nov 11, 2018
Veteran Julio Roderick of the Dudley L. Brown Veterans of Foreign Wars Post in Onset displays the POW/MIA Flag during Sunday’s Veterans Day ceremony. Photo by: Matthew Bernat
Selectman Alan Slavin reads a proclamation in honor of the 100th anniversary of the World War I armistice alongside veteran Skip Sarnelli. Photo by: Matthew Bernat
Skip Sarnelli speaks during Sunday’s Veterans Day ceremony in Onset. Photo by: Matthew Bernat
Selectman Alan Slavin and VFW Chaplain Tootsie Ervin “Tootsie” Russell salute during the National Anthem. Photo by: Matthew Bernat
Col. Matthew Stanton of the high school’s Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps offers a welcome. Photo by: Matthew Bernat
Wareham High School senior Jillian Rawding leads attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance. Photo by: Matthew Bernat
Grateful residents honored veterans and their service during a ceremony Nov. 11 that included a call for respect – for veterans and in public discourse.
The event, held in the Dudley L. Brown Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2846 in Onset, featured a crowd of roughly 60 and several speakers, including Chaplain Ervin “Tootsie” Russell, a Vietnam War veteran.
“We’re here in honor of those who gave their lives so that we may stand here today in freedom,” said Russell. “To do anything less would be a disservice to their sacrifice and their memories.”
Veterans Day commemorates the anniversary of the signing of the World War I armistice. The agreement—signed in the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month—ended hostilities between the Allies and Germany in 1918 in what was then called “the war to end war.”
Col. Matthew Stanton, of the high school’s Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps, touched on the 100th anniversary of the armistice.
The event honored the moment when “the guns fell silent in Europe, when the most terrible war the world had ever seen came to an end,” said Stanton.
Selectman Chair Alan Slavin reminded everyone of the shared sacrifice of veterans. He urged all to remain courteous, despite political differences.
“There’s an issue in this country with respect. We seem to have lost it,” said Slavin. “We’ve adopted anger and hate, and that’s not working.”
He asked young audience members in particular to consider veterans.
“When you see a veteran, say ‘thank you for your service,’ ” said Slavin.
In his remarks, State Sen. Marc Pacheco (D-Taunton) spoke about the freedoms enshrined in the Constitution. He said those rights were hard fought for and defended by veterans.
“We would not have those rights protected without men and women willing to take an oath to God and country to protect the Constitution of the United State of America,” said Pacheco.
State Rep. Susan Williams Gifford (R-Wareham) noted Massachusetts is number one in the nation when it comes to providing benefits and protections for veterans. She said the Legislature recently passed the BRAVE Act. The legislation provides additional support for veterans and their families, including tax credits and more educational opportunities.
“We’re doing all we can to give them the resources and benefits they need,” said Gifford.
