by Frank Schroth

Flag raising

Last Tuesday Milton commemorated Veteran’s Day with a short parade and ceremony at town hall. The weather was mild for a November day and fitting for what was a short, tender moment of reflection and respect. The keynote speaker was a veteran of the Viet Nam war (and former Town Administrator and Chief of Police), Kevin Mearn, who said, there is “no mystery behind the endurance and resources of our liberty.” It is the sacrifice of our veterans who have come to the service of our country.

Mearn noted that of the 238 years since the birth of our country there have only been 21 years that have been without war or a military action of some kind. Fifteen per cent of the population has served in the military, half of whom are now over the age of 65. Mearn closed with a quote from President Kennedy:

We celebrate this Veterans Day for a very few minutes, a few seconds of silence and then this country’s life goes on. But I think it most appropriate that we recall on this occasion, and on every other moment when we are faced with great responsibilities, the contribution and the sacrifice which so many men and their families have made in order to permit this country to now occupy its present position of responsibility and freedom, and in order to permit us to gather here together.

The event was well organized by Frank Stout of the VFW Post 114 and Paula Rizzi, Secretary of Town Administrator’s Office and included music performed by the Milton High School Chorus and Band under direction of Noreen Diamond Burdett and Rebecca Damiani.

Local photographer Bob Marotta had all the veterans present gather at the gazebo at the close of the event for a group photo. It was a great idea and you should look for it in the Milton TImes. In the meantime here is a slide show of the occasion.