‘Veterans Day ceremonies to begin at 11 a.m.

Winthrop Veterans Agent Larry Holmes announced this week that the town’s Veterans Day ceremonies will take place on Thursday, November 11 at 11 a.m. on the Town Hall lawn, with wreaths laid at the base of the town’s World War II memorial and a short ceremony that will include members of the various veterans organizations, local elected officials, civic and youth organizations all taking part.

“We’ve invited all of the town dignitaries, State Senator Anthony Petrucelli and Speaker of the House Robert DeLeo, as well as the Council President, Jeff Turco and all of the councilors – to all come and say a few words on behalf of our veterans,” explained Holmes.

Local business owner and Vietnam veteran Richard Honan has been helping Holmes prepare the list of speakers and memorials and will act as the co-host or co-Master of ceremonies with Holmes.

Richie (Honan) has really been the driving force behind the town Veterans’ ceremony for a few years now,” said Holmes. “I’m grateful for his help and I think it is a nice thing for us to stop and thank the veterans who have served our country and sacrificed so much of themselves in the cause of our freedom.”

“The local Brownies Troop will sing God Bless America near the end of the service and we’re going to have a cancer survivors group that will lay the honorary wreath,” said Holmes.

In addition, members of the town’s veterans group – including AmVets and American Legion Posts will serve as honor guards for the event.

“Following the ceremony in front of Town Hall, residents will be invited back to the AmVets Post’s Patriot Club on Veterans Road, for coffee and doughnuts,” added Holmes.

The annual Veterans Day ceremony usually takes about an hour and draws a crowd of a few hundred. In light of our country’s continued struggle in two wars in the Middle East, Holmes, Honan and others hope that more Winthrop residents will be able to take a few minutes out of their Veterans Day holiday to stop and say thank you to those who are protecting our freedom abroad.