thedrifter
11-12-08, 07:10 AM
Remembering soldiers past, present
By Jill Harmacinski
jharmacinski@eagletribune.com
November 12, 2008 12:10 am
—
NORTH ANDOVER — In 2007, Sgt. Michael Wilson was in Iraq when the time came for him to re-enlist in the Marines. The government was offering various incentives, including a $50,000 bonus, if he stayed in the service. But a big part of Wilson wanted to return home, to his native North Andover, to be with his family again.
Yesterday, standing before a large crowd of taxpayers, veterans and children, Wilson said he made the right choice.
"I've been home now for over a year. It's just been great to come home and have so much support," said Wilson, now the commander of the North Andover VFW Post 2104.
"There's no regret. ... I'm so happy to be back in this town," said Wilson, who is pursuing a criminal justice degree at Northern Essex Community College.
All across the Merrimack Valley yesterday, people turned out at ceremonies on Veterans Day, which was originally Armistice Day, recognizing the end of World War I.
In North Andover, more than 500 people, many clasping small American flags, attended the Veterans Day ceremony, held across the street from the Stevens Memorial Library in Patriots Memorial Park. The event started with a short parade that stepped off at First and Main streets, then made its way to the park. Veterans, Scouts, bagpipers, local politicians and the North Andover High School Band all marched.
A black limousine escorted the parade's guest of honor, Gold Star mother Barbara Gallagher. Twenty-five years ago, a terrorist attack in Beirut, Lebanon, claimed the life of her son, Marine Cpl. Sean Gallagher. On Oct. 23, 1983, a truck loaded with TNT careened through the front of the Marine barracks in Beirut while the soldiers were sleeping. Gallagher was among 241 U.S. soldiers, nine of whom came from Massachusetts, killed in the attack.
Yesterday, on the 25th anniversary of the deadly episode, the town reaffirmed its pride and appreciation for Gallagher and all veterans. Selectmen Chairwoman Rosemary Smedile presented Barbara Gallagher with an official proclamation from the board. The document recognizes the "supreme sacrifice of Cpl. Sean Gallagher," Smedile said.
Nine young women who make up North Andover High's color guard then released nine balloons in memory of the servicemen who died in the Beirut terrorist attack in 1983. One-by-one, they released the balloons into the crisp fall air.
A Methuen teen also participating in the ceremony, reading aloud her award-winning essay about veterans and patriotism. Catherine Ertsos, 13, a student at the Fellowship Christian Academy in Methuen, was this year's winner of the Patriot's Pen contest, sponsored by the North Andover VFW.
Ertsos wrote of a soldier's dedication to his country and the need for all of us to recognize them.
"All people should make an effort to attend parades and rallies to honor our veterans. We should stand and cheer for them as they walk or ride by. When we meet veterans, we should take the time to tell them how grateful we are for their sacrifice for our country and us," she said.
After reading her essay, Ertsos was applauded by many veterans who then took the time to say "Good job" and "Thank you," to her.
The Rev. John Delaney of St. Michael Church led the group in prayer.
"God Bless our country with peace," he said.
Ellie
By Jill Harmacinski
jharmacinski@eagletribune.com
November 12, 2008 12:10 am
—
NORTH ANDOVER — In 2007, Sgt. Michael Wilson was in Iraq when the time came for him to re-enlist in the Marines. The government was offering various incentives, including a $50,000 bonus, if he stayed in the service. But a big part of Wilson wanted to return home, to his native North Andover, to be with his family again.
Yesterday, standing before a large crowd of taxpayers, veterans and children, Wilson said he made the right choice.
"I've been home now for over a year. It's just been great to come home and have so much support," said Wilson, now the commander of the North Andover VFW Post 2104.
"There's no regret. ... I'm so happy to be back in this town," said Wilson, who is pursuing a criminal justice degree at Northern Essex Community College.
All across the Merrimack Valley yesterday, people turned out at ceremonies on Veterans Day, which was originally Armistice Day, recognizing the end of World War I.
In North Andover, more than 500 people, many clasping small American flags, attended the Veterans Day ceremony, held across the street from the Stevens Memorial Library in Patriots Memorial Park. The event started with a short parade that stepped off at First and Main streets, then made its way to the park. Veterans, Scouts, bagpipers, local politicians and the North Andover High School Band all marched.
A black limousine escorted the parade's guest of honor, Gold Star mother Barbara Gallagher. Twenty-five years ago, a terrorist attack in Beirut, Lebanon, claimed the life of her son, Marine Cpl. Sean Gallagher. On Oct. 23, 1983, a truck loaded with TNT careened through the front of the Marine barracks in Beirut while the soldiers were sleeping. Gallagher was among 241 U.S. soldiers, nine of whom came from Massachusetts, killed in the attack.
Yesterday, on the 25th anniversary of the deadly episode, the town reaffirmed its pride and appreciation for Gallagher and all veterans. Selectmen Chairwoman Rosemary Smedile presented Barbara Gallagher with an official proclamation from the board. The document recognizes the "supreme sacrifice of Cpl. Sean Gallagher," Smedile said.
Nine young women who make up North Andover High's color guard then released nine balloons in memory of the servicemen who died in the Beirut terrorist attack in 1983. One-by-one, they released the balloons into the crisp fall air.
A Methuen teen also participating in the ceremony, reading aloud her award-winning essay about veterans and patriotism. Catherine Ertsos, 13, a student at the Fellowship Christian Academy in Methuen, was this year's winner of the Patriot's Pen contest, sponsored by the North Andover VFW.
Ertsos wrote of a soldier's dedication to his country and the need for all of us to recognize them.
"All people should make an effort to attend parades and rallies to honor our veterans. We should stand and cheer for them as they walk or ride by. When we meet veterans, we should take the time to tell them how grateful we are for their sacrifice for our country and us," she said.
After reading her essay, Ertsos was applauded by many veterans who then took the time to say "Good job" and "Thank you," to her.
The Rev. John Delaney of St. Michael Church led the group in prayer.
"God Bless our country with peace," he said.
Ellie