Despite the brisk, 35º weather, a few dozen veterans, local and state leaders, and community members bundled up and braced the strong winds to honor America’s bravest for their service to this country on Tuesday. And luckily for all in attendance, the event was moved from the Veterans Memorial outside City Hall to City Hall’s Wiggin Auditorium.
Lt. Commander Bob Dunne, a Navy veteran and commander of the Peabody Veterans Council, kicked off the morning by wishing a happy belated birthday to the U.S. Marine Corps, which celebrated its 250th birthday on Monday. He also congratulated the Peabody Veterans Memorial High School Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC), which just won seventh among all service branches and second overall for the Air Force in the JROTC National Raider Competition last week in Georgia.
“Today, we honor all our veterans from all wars and times of service,” Dunne said. “… I’d also like to note that November is Military Appreciation Month. I’d like to thank my family, along with all the other military families that are here now, or even beyond here, for your support of your veterans — whether you serve now or you used to serve, your family serves with you.”
Peabody High students Lilly Brokvist, Nathalia Sandaire, and Alivia Frederick then sang the national anthem, which garnered a round of applause. Following the trio’s beautiful harmonies, the JROTC performed a flag folding while explaining its history.
“By displaying the flag and giving it a distinctive fold, we show respect to the flag and express our gratitude to those individuals who fought and continue to fight for our freedom at home and abroad,” one JROTC member said. “… The United States flag represents who we are. It stands for the freedom we all share and the pride and patriotism we feel for our country. We cherish its legacy as a beacon of hope to one and all. Long may it wave.”
After the Pledge of Allegiance, Chaplain Walter Blazewicz, Jr. — who is the commander of the Walter Dombrowski Polish Legion of American Veterans Post 63, a first-class Petty Officer Navy veteran, and a former Air Force reserve member — led the room in prayer. City Council President and Ward 4 Councilor Julie Daigle took the mic next, as Mayor Ted Bettencourt was unable to attend.
“All we can do is thank you for your service,” Daigle said to the room of veterans. “Coming from a civilian, it’s hard to find the words to say… Thank you for what you’ve done. You protected our country, and we’re here today because of you.”
Rep. Tom Walsh then told the veterans in attendance, “The service that you provided really is immeasurable.”
“It is really a privilege for me to stand here today and acknowledge the service that all of you gave to our country,” he said. “The life that I enjoy and so many others enjoy is because of the work and sacrifices you all made, and we do appreciate that.”
A proclamation, which declared Nov. 11 to be Veterans Day, from Gov. Maura Healey was then read by two JROTC members.
Dunne then explained that, earlier Tuesday morning, three wreaths were placed in front of the Veterans Memorial outside City Hall.
The first, and largest, was to honor the fallen veterans and heroes from World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. The second, as Dunne said, was to honor the women who “have made tremendous sacrifices serving our nation with distinction.” The final wreath was “for all veterans who wore the uniform of the United States and offered their lives for our freedom.”
“Thank you for keeping this nation in the land of the free and home of the brave,” Dunne said.
Navy veteran and Peabody Police Sgt. John Blodgett, who is also the American Legion Post 153 commander, was the event’s keynote speaker.
“It means the world to me to be able to serve the city I was raised in with the Peabody Police Department and in my country with the Navy. A veteran doesn’t just mean what you did, but what you continue to do,” Blodgett said.
He added, “Everyone in this room has fulfilled some call of service and support of others in service. I encourage us all to continue our service, and more importantly, tell your story to others in hopes of inspiring someone. There are future admirals, generals, and commanders in the ROTC… Be the person that inspires them, and pay it forward.”
Blodgett concluded by quoting the “The Longest War”: “There is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up.”
Blazewicz wrapped up the event with another prayer.
“We thank the great City of Peabody for honoring our veterans on this day and always,” he said. “Lord, bless our service members as they stand on God for freedom throughout the world. Thank you for your continued blessings. Please guide us safely home.”
