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Honoring Our Vets
John Lenotte, American Legion

With the holiday season now behind us, it is a time to reflect on individuals and organizations that “stepped up to the plate” and helped or recognized others. Roger Clark of the Merrimac Legion Post is one of those persons. Along with members of his post, Roger set up a veterans breakfast on Veterans Day. Fred Richard of the Salisbury Legion Post did the same in Salisbury. Lillian Eaton of Amesbury was recognized as Woman Veteran of the Year for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. She also is the chief organizer of the annual Pearl Harbor Memorial ceremony sponsored each year by the Haverhill AMVETS Post. Roger Gaumont, Lillian Eaton and Ron Koontz of Amesbury coordinated with other veterans groups in Amesbury to have a salute to the troops on December 17th. Approximately 175 people attended to pay tribute to those from Amesbury who have or are serving during the current conflict, be they active eduty, Guard or Reserve. The mayor of Amesbury, Thatcher Kezer, is a Lt. Colonel in the AF Reserve. This was the 5th year this program was held, handing out citations to veterans and providing a meal for all who attended.

Thanks to the efforts of Veterans’ Agent Ed Curran, the city of Methuen held an event on December 7th, also honoring those from Methuen who have or are serving in the current War on Terrorism. Mayor Manzi, along with other city officials, newly elected state Representative Linda Dean Campbell and Massachusetts Director of Veterans Services Tom Kelly (a Vietnam veteran who was awarded the Medal of Honor) were in attendance along with a large crowd. Citations were given out to the current group of veterans from Methuen.

Donna Blattenburger, a Lawrence resident who is a member of American Legion Auxiliary Unit #122 of Methuen coordinated a birthday party for veterans in residence at the Soldiers Home in Chelsea. This party was on December 28th, for those who had a birthday in December. Donations were given by the Legion posts in Andover, Gloucester, Methuen, Merrimac, Haverhill, Rockport and Boxford. The Peabody Legion post worked with other Peabody veterans groups to host a dinner, entertainment and gifts for veterans from the Soldiers Home in Chelsea.

I would like to note that it was a pleasure to see some of our local politicians stepping up to the plate to recognize local citizen soldiers who carry on the tradition of our early Minutemen. Elections were over, yet they were there with genuine sincerity and pride in our troops. We need more like those who are mentioned above. I am sure I missed a few names, but unfortunately, there are many who only talk the political talk, but don’t “step up to the plate” when the time comes. And the names I did mention are always there to help and work with our veterans. We need more like them. What is your New Year’s resolution? Can you work with and/or join a local veterans group? There are so many worthy projects that need help and so few to carry on the traditions and tasks. Speaking for the American Legion, we are veterans still serving America. And we need your help. Can you step up to the plate?

John Lenotte is the American Legion Commander, District 8/Essex County and Adjutant, Post 4, Haverhill

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The January 2007 Edition of the Valley Patriot
The Valley Patriot is a Monthly Publication.
All Contents (C) 2007, Valley Patriot, Inc.
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