WESTFORD — Residents gathered at the old center fire station Tuesday morning to honor local veterans and service members during the town’s annual Veterans Day ceremony.
Dozens of residents attended the event, held at 51 Main St., which featured remarks from town officials, and US Navy Veteran Terry Stader and Veterans Services Officer Colin Bode.
“As we stand here today, let’s remember all who served with gratitude. Let’s honor the past by building a future worthy of their sacrifice because the real promise of Veterans Day isn’t just to remember or honor our conflicts or wars; it’s to remember the people and to never forget what they stood for then and what they stand for now,” Bode said.
The ceremony included an invocation given by Korean War Veteran Arthur Pellerin, the Pledge of Allegiance, and musical performances by Westford Academy students. There was also a moment of silence to honor those who lost their lives in service to the country.
Select Board Chair Thomas Clay also delivered remarks at the ceremony.
“As we honor our veterans today, let’s also renew our own commitments to serve our community, to care for our veterans and their families, and to live every day by the honors and freedoms being protected. To all those who served, to all those who support those who served, thank you for your courage, your sacrifice, and your example,” Clay said.
Veterans Day, originally known as Armistice Day, was first observed in 1919 to commemorate the end of World War I. The holiday was renamed in 1954 to recognize all U.S. veterans and is observed each year on Nov. 11.
