WESTFORD – Westford held its annual Veterans Day service on the Town Common on Monday.
The service began with a parade by veterans, Town officials, and community members.
Many came out to honor veterans in town including students, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts who participated in the ceremony. Veteran Service Officer Terry Stader, Select Board Chair Scott Hazelton, Dr. Stephany Godfrey and Sen. John Cronin spoke at the ceremony.
“Since I left the army five years ago, Veterans Day has become more special to me each year,” Cronin, an Afghanistan War veteran, said, “Veterans Day is a salient opportunity for all of us to be reminded that there is more, much more that binds us together as Americans than divides us.”
Veterans Day not only celebrates those who served but also their families. Godfrey, who served in the U.S. Air Force and an Iraq War veteran, spoke on the sacrifice that families make supporting those in service.
“It’s easy to take for granted the peace and security we enjoy in our everyday lives but our veterans remind us that these things are not things that come without cost,” Godfrey said, “I also want to take a moment to honor the friends and families of our veterans. The parents, spouses, children and friends who stood by them with strength and patience.”
This year marks the 70th Veterans Day, a day to honor the sacrifices veterans have made to protect and serve America.
“I’m grateful to be here with you to honor all our veterans who came before us, those who have stood alongside us, and that will come after us. To those veterans here today, thank you,” Stader said.
Originally known as Armistice Day, the holiday commemorates the end of WWI and honors all those who served in the military. The day is remembered each year at the eleventh hour, on the eleventh day, of the eleventh month.
