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Veterans Day observances in Salem, Swampscott and Marblehead

Wicked Local North - 11/6/2019

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A slate of Salem, Marblehead and Swampscott Veterans Day ceremonies over the weekend offer opportunities for the public to show veterans appreciation for their military service.

Veterans Day originated as "Armistice Day" on Nov. 11, 1919, the first anniversary of the end of World War I. Congress passed a resolution in 1926 for an annual observance, and under the administration of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, Nov. 11 became a national holiday in 1938.

Veterans Town Hall

On Monday evening, Congressman Seth Moulton will once again host his annual Veterans Day Town Hall. Since 2015, the Salem resident and Iraq War veteran has staged the town hall in the second-floor will auditorium of Abbot Hall in his hometown, Marblehead.

Due to the ongoing renovation at Abbot Hall, the 2019 town hall will be held in Peabody City Hall, 24 Lowell St. on Monday at 6 p.m.

The town hall provides area veterans of all wars a chance to tell their stories and to describe "the pride, grief, rage or quiet appreciation of life that the war bestowed upon them," Moulton has said.

Past town halls have had veteran speakers from every stripe of the military and every military conflict dating back to World War II.

"One of the most important things I've done as a member of Congress is convene our community to discuss veterans, their stories, and the policies that impact the community," said Moulton. "Just as importantly, the event gives non-veterans an opportunity to listen and connect."

Marblehead

Marblehead Veterans Agent Dave Rodgers said Veterans Day exercises will be staged in the Old Town House, 1 Market Square at 10 a.m. sharp.

"Doors open at 9 a.m.," said Rodgers. "The legion room on the basement floor will be open to the public from 9 a.m. to noon."

A free shuttle service running from the parking lot of Marblehead National Grand Bank, 91 Pleasant St., to the Old Town House runs from 9 to 9:45 a.m.

The principle speaker will be James Full, a retired veteran from the United States Navy.

All are invited to a post-ceremony breakfast in the Marblehead Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2005, 321 West Shore Drive.

Swampscott

Swampscott observances start with a Veterans Day breakfast in the Swampscott Senior Center, 200 Essex St., at 9:30 a.m. For the breakfast, an RSVP is required; call 781.596.8866.

Following the appreciation breakfast, a Veterans Day ceremony takes place on Monument Avenue at 11 a.m.

All veterans are welcomed. The ceremony includes special remarks, music, the presentation of colors and a moment to acknowledge the service of veterans present, said Lynn and Swampscott Veterans Agent Mike Sweeney.

Sweeney said everyone is welcome to a collation in Swampscott Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1240, 8 Pine St., immediately following the Monument Avenue exercises.

Salem

Salem Veterans Agent Kim Emerling said the city will stage a Veterans Day ceremony in the auditorium of Salem High School, 77 Wilson St., beginning at 11 a.m. A keynote speaker has yet to be locked in.

The ceremony traditionally includes the awarding of Salem Wartime Medals, a gesture of appreciation from Salem citizens to Salem veterans who served in the United States Armed force during conflicts abroad.

The day before Salem Veterans Services will launch "Salem Serves" on Sunday, Nov. 10, in the Mayor Jean A. Levesque Community Life Center, 401 Bridge St., from 2 to 4 p.m. "Salem Serves", written by historian Bonnie Hurd Smith chronicles Salem veterans' military service.

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(c)2019 Wicked Local North, Danvers, Mass.

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