- Photos by Bill Rogers

By William Tauro

This past Sunday the members of the Winter Hill Yacht Club of Somerville and the Old Colony Yacht of Dorchester hosted their annual Veteran’s Cruise on the Boston Harbor.

The flotilla, carrying close to one hundred disabled American veterans on vessels that consisted of thirty eight donated privately owned boats from members of both yacht clubs, shoved off from the docks of the Winter Hill Yacht Club in Somerville and Old Colony Yacht Club in Dorchester. The flotilla went under police escort by Sergeant James Deyermond with a Massachusetts State Police boat, Sergeant Jim Hennessey with a Massachusetts Environmental Police boat, and Boston Police Officer Merrick aboard the Boston Police patrol boat, also participated.

The Boston Fire Department also escorted the flotilla of veterans with the Department’s fire boat, showering the path with a ceremonial fire hose spray salute to the heroes on board as they passed in front of the USS Constitution that was docked at its port in Charlestown.

Somerville Alderman Walter Pero addressed the crowd of veterans back at the Winter Hill Yacht Club at an old fashion barbecue that was hosted in its entirety by the members of the Winter Hill Yacht Club.

Alderman Pero, who is a war veteran himself, attended the event and announced that this was his last term in office and that he is also the last American veteran that is presently serving on the Board of Aldermen here in Somerville.

Somerville Council of Aging Director Cindy Hickey, Somerville Council of Aging Social worker Suzanne Norton, who also facilitates the veterans group, and Somerville Community Police Officer Maryann Manfra, as well as Chelsea Soldier’s Home Director John Davis, participated in the event by organizing and transporting bus loads of veterans, some in wheelchairs, to the event. They enjoyed a fun filled day on the water as a way of being thanked for their services and for all they have done for our country.

One veteran aboard one of the vessels said, “Today’s event was the second happiest day of my life. The first was the day my son was born.”

The veterans applauded and gave special thanks to the Commodores and to the members of the Winter Hill Yacht Club and Old Colony Yacht Club for making the event possible.