URGENT UPDATE: Community members in Lynnfield gathered on November 11, 2023, to honor local veterans during a powerful ceremony at the Veterans Memorial in Lynnfield Common. This heartfelt event, emceed by Veteran’s Agent Bruce Siegel, featured impactful speeches from military and civilian leaders, highlighting the sacrifices made for freedom.
Retired Army Captain and Lynnfield native David Gallo served as the guest of honor, sharing his profound experiences from Desert Storm. Gallo’s reflections on the veterans who influenced his life captivated the audience, emphasizing the lasting impact of their sacrifices. “It’s not only our veterans who sacrifice; their families do as well,” Gallo noted, underlining the emotional strain faced by military families.
Select Board Chairman Phil Crawford addressed attendees, quoting poet G.K. Chesterton: “‘Courage is almost a contradiction in terms. It means a strong desire to live taking the form of a readiness to die.’” He highlighted that Veterans Day, originally known as Armistice Day, was established to commemorate the end of World War I.
Gallo, who enlisted in the Army National Guard in 1984 and later rose to the rank of captain by August 1997, described how the stories of veterans engraved on the memorial shaped his own journey. He recalled the inspiration he drew from Lauren Lengyel, a local U.S. Air Force captain who survived six years as a prisoner of war in Vietnam. Gallo reached out to Lengyel before his retirement, expressing gratitude for the guidance he provided during challenging times.
As the ceremony concluded, Gallo’s message resonated deeply with the crowd: “How we treat our veterans determines whether future generations are willing to serve. This directly impacts the security of our country.” His call to action served as a reminder of the collective responsibility to honor and support those who have served.
The event drew significant community attendance, reinforcing the bond between veterans and the Lynnfield community. As conversations continue about how to best support veterans and their families, the town’s commitment to honoring their service remains unwavering.
Stay tuned for more developments on community efforts to support veterans and their families in Lynnfield.
