By Madison Butkus
Hometown Weekly Reporter
In honor of Veterans Day, the town of Westwood came together on Monday, November 11th to hold a Veterans Day Observance ceremony at Veterans Park. The event started promptly at 11 am to honor active military personnel and Veterans within the United States and especially in Westwood.
This year’s observation included three speakers: Dick Paster of American Legion Post 320 Westwood, Select Board Chair Joe Previtera and State Representative Paul McMurtry. Also in attendance were Cub and Boy Scouts who passed out little American Flags to everyone at the beginning of the ceremony.
Everyone gathered close together at Veterans Park as the sound system had unfortunately stopped working. This however did not stop the observation from being a heartfelt tribute to all those who have served, are serving and their families.
After Paster had welcomed everyone and thanked Veterans for their service, the National Anthem was played by Westwood High School student Hank Murry. This was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance that was led by both the Cub and Boy Scouts.
Previtera then took the podium and delivered a wonderful speech that gave utter praise to all of our Veterans. “On behalf of my fellow Select Board members,” he stated, “thank you for being here today to honor our Veterans. I stand before you today in this beautiful park that honors our Veterans thanks to the folks at the American Legion Post 320. And thank you to everyone who made today’s celebration possible. I want to welcome all of our Veterans and their families, as well as all of the active military men and women joining us today. This day is for our Veterans and we salute you for your bravery, sacrifice, and passion for our country. We also must remember the Veterans who are not with us today. … Because you served, these words ‘land of the free and home of the brave’ are true today more than ever.”
McMurtry was next up to the podium in which he expressed his gratitude for being in Westwood to honor all those Veterans who fought so tirelessly for our country. “I am so happy to be here in Westwood,” he explained, “on yet another beautiful day to celebrate the service and sacrifice of the men and women who have worn the uniform of our country. I for one am very mindful that my public service would not be possible without the commitment of our Veterans. I am here to thank them and to thank you all for supporting their efforts.”
Paster then gave the closing remarks before ending the ceremony with the American Legion Color Guard conducting a three-round volley to salute all of our Veterans. Family, friends, and community members were in awe of the kind words shared by each speaker and saluted all Veterans for their outstanding service.
