A grateful City of Somerville paid its respects to the many generations of veterans who did their duty with pride and conviction throughout the years. – Photo by Andrew Firestone

By Andrew Firestone

A well-attended and heartfelt Veteran’s Day Ceremony took place in Somerville last Friday, November 11, where city and state officials joined the veterans of Somerville to celebrate and remember their sacrifices.

“On behalf of the city, we’re thankful and grateful to all of you, your colleagues and comrades who served, and those who have fallen especially,” said Mayor Joseph Curtatone. “Your families who carried the scars and the sacrifices as they waited at home to await word, or praying for you every day.”

Curtatone recalled the unique historical perspective that many veterans in Somerville called their own, and reminded the audience that “Somerville veterans have a storied history stepping up to the call.”

“We have a lot of veterans coming home now, from a different era and a different war,” said Curtatone. “We have to find a way leading toward engaging them and getting them involved.”

After the awarding of “Veteran of the Year” to Joe Marino, the respective post leaders laid roses in a wreath, as is tradition on Veterans Day, one for each of the posts.

“It’s great to recognize and thank all of the veterans that have served, especially the ones that are serving now,” said Bob Hickey of the Somerville Allied Veteran’s Alliance. “They’re the ones fighting for our right to be here today, having this celebration.”

Joe Cauly, a veteran of the Korean Era, which he reminded The News was a “police action,” said that the appreciation of veterans was vital to the community, and recalling their sacrifice an important endeavor.

“The sacrifice that these guys have made, they’ve had to get their legs and everything!” he said.

Cauly voiced dissatisfaction with current American military policy, including the war in Afghanistan, which he said should not be fought, as it caused incredible strain to those who fight. “They’re coming back, the young guys. Athletes, football players, they come back screwed up, done for life!”

On a more somber note, the fate of the Dilboy Post currently hangs in the balance, with a fire inspection threatening to close the post down for good if they do not receive proper prevention systems, which Commander Bob Hardy said would be prohibitively expensive.