by Jeannie Sullivan Guarino

I witnessed an event March 15 that many thought only possible in the old Somerville.

More than 100 people attended the dedication of the corner of Lincoln Street and Lincoln Avenue in memory of my brother Patrick Sullivan, a life long Somerville resident and Viet Nam veteran.

Our Family is proud of the service that our Paddy gave to our country. We are also proud and prayerful of our boys presently serving in the military our thoughts and prayers are with all of them.

We are honored that the City of Somerville has chosen to dedicate this site as Patrick “Sully” Sullivan Square it will serve as a memorial of the continued sacrifice of our soldiers.

Some may say that the days of true community in Somerville have all but passed on, to those cynics I invite you to visit my neighborhood of East Somerville where the old welcome the new and a place where people continue to be welcomed back!

Our family was overwhelmed and truly moved by the genuine affection and support given by the many friends and neighbors in attendance, many of who returned to the old neighborhood from as far away as New York and Connecticut.

We were blessed by the magnificence of the day and the multitude of support from every corner of our community. For those who nostalgically long for the old days, well they returned to East Somerville at least for this very special day.

The Sullivan – Gearing family wish to express our sincerest gratitude to Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone, Aldermen William Roche, Dennis M. Sullivan, Bruce M. Desmond, William A. White Jr., Mary Ann Heuston, Robert C. Trane, Sean T. O’Donovan and Walter F. Pero.

For their sponsorship and approval of this dedication, we would also like to thank School Committee member Maureen Bastardi and State Rep. Timothy J. Toomey Jr., and the many City Hall staffers who offered assistance.

Special thanks too, to Veteran’s Affairs Director Frank Senesi, Linda Rubino from the veteran’s hospital in Jamaica Plain and the Somerville Council on Aging.

Stanley Koty and the Somerville DPW led by Frankie Santangelo also played an instrumental role in removing the piles of snow and preparing the site for this wonderful event.

Finally, the Somerville Police and Department of Traffic and Parking performed their duties admirably. The pride in which these civil servants took in their respective roles was indeed heartwarming to our family.

Dan Hayes and Ray Zongetti of Good Time Emporium once again proved what great community partners they are to East Somerville by hosting the neighborhood by providing the venue and delicious food for all participants.