On a blustery Sunday morning, the Milton High School Marching Band played with vigor and honor, as together with members of The American Legion Post #114 , Milton's Board of Selectmen,Elected Officials, Boys Scouts and other distinguished invited guests, marched from Milton High School along Canton Ave to the Town Green for the Annual Veterans Day Ceremony.
The bells tolled from The First Parish Church at the 11th hour on the 11th day,of the 11th month marking the 100th Anniversary of Armistice Day celebrated on Nov 11th 1918 bringing an end to World War 1.
A great crowd gathered to honor those who have served in the armed forces.
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Chairman of Milton's Board of Selectmen, former Milton Police Chief, Richard Wells stated," In a world often filled with selfish acts, our Veterans reman selfless." Mr.Wells had the honor of introducing the guest speaker, Milton native USMC Major Michael Devin who emphasized the importance and significance the bond of brotherhood that exists between all who serve and how important it is for families to support each other and to assist servicemen and women in seeking help post-service.
State Senator Walter F. Timilty presented Major Michael Devin with a citation on behalf of the legislative body in addition to the gift of a commemorative book about the Marine Corps, and who so fittingly stated in his remarks, "Our Veterans, many of whom proudly stand amongst us today, have answered the call to duty, worn the uniform, stood a post, and most importantly, put themselves in harm's way so as to protect the freedom and liberties that we who live in the greatest nation on Earth enjoy. "
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Eileen Maher, founder of MOMS- Milton Mom's Of Servicemen and Women (momsofmilton@gmail.com) who formed the group when her own son joined the Marine Corps, read an excerpt from Dr. Seuss' "Oh, the Places You'll Go!": "Today is your day. You're off to great places you're off and away. You'll look up and down streets, look 'em over with care. About some you will say 'I don't choose to go there.' With your head full of brains and your shoes full of feet, you're too smart to go down any not-so-good street." but go they do. Many of them pay the ultimate sacrifice with their lives. First Parish Minister Lisa Ward, in the final blessing, encouraged all, as did everyone who addressed the crowd, about the importance to never forget the enormous debt and gratitude we owe our Veterans. Today and every day, we say thank you.