Published November 14, 2019
By MAUREEN DOHERTY
NORTH READING — Respectful tribute was paid to the town’s veterans during a traditional Veterans’ Day service held at the top of the town common Monday at 11 a.m. Veterans of all periods of service were aptly honored for their roles in keeping their country safe during their time of service.
The mild weather was welcomed by the large crowd gathered near the town’s war memorials in the shadow of Old Glory. The ceremony opened with the tolling of the bell atop the 1829 Third Meetinghouse 21 times.
Veterans’ Services Director Susan Magner, who was recently honored as the Veterans’ Services Officer of the Year in Massachusetts, once again assembled a meaningful multi-generational ceremony of speakers, patriotic music, reverence and gratitude on the 100th anniversary of the first “Armistice Day” commemorations.
Rev. Rachel Fisher, Pastor of Aldersgate Church, delivered both the invocation. The NRHS Marching Hornets, led by Drum Major Christopher Nearing and Assistant Drum Major Kevin Shang, played a medley of patriotic tunes at various times throughout the ceremony, opening with John Philip Sousa’s “Washington Post.”
The Presentation of Colors was provided by the North Reading Police Honor Guard and the National Guard’s 272nd Chemical Co. Honor Guard stationed at Camp Curtis Guild. Both stood guard throughout.
Also standing guard during the ceremony were the North Reading Company of Minit and Militia, and the Patriot Guard Riders, a volunteer group of patriotic citizens who, upon invitation by families, provide an honor guard at the funeral services of veterans.
North Reading’s Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, Venture Crew and Girl Scouts led the crowd in The Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a stunning rendition of the National Anthem by soloist Kerrin Mullen.
A proclamation from Gov. Charlie Baker, acknowledging the contributions of the state’s 388,000 veterans, was read by Town Administrator Michael Gilleberto. Select Board member Liane Gonzalez delivered the board’s Veterans’ Day proclamation, which was followed by the marching band’s rendition of Harold Bennett’s “Military Escort.”
“What the Flag Means to Me,” the winning essay written by NRHS graduate Kaitlyn Shevlin in the 2019 scholarship essay contest sponsored by the North Reading Republican Town Committee, was read on her behalf by U.S. Marine Corps Vietnam veteran Richard Stratton, who is also a member of the Minit and Militia.
The honored guest speaker was CCMSgt Michelle O’Keefe, a North Reading native and resident whom Magner added is also the first woman to lead the Massachusetts Air National Guard.
“In every generation, you or someone you know, has answered the call to serve in our armed forces. Their service and patriotism are definitive examples of their character. When they speak of the United States of America, and what this country means to them, they stand tall, and their eyes turn misty in remembrance of their brothers and sisters in arms, whom they proudly call family. The individuals we honor today are United States veterans,” CCMSgt O’Keefe said.
“While the front lines have changed from the jungles of Vietnam to the deserts of the Middle East, and evolved with digital and political fashions, the National Guard has remained steady and ready — and always there. The sacrifices of our National Guard veterans represent the foundation of our country, from the original minutemen to our modern warriors, who will give their lives to protect life, liberty and property,” she said.
CCMSgt O’Keefe shared a story of a Bronze Star recipient, SMSgt Stephen Jeffers, a security forces superintendent at the 104th Fighter Wing, who is also a husband, father and son from Westfield.
CCMSgt, Air National Guard
While engaged in action against an enemy of the United States at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, this airman “was exposed to hostile action during nine separate indirect attacks,” she said.
Through his leadership, O’Keefe said SMSgt Jeffers “led 765 personnel across 14 specialties supporting combat operations for six task forces and nine squadrons, enabling 7,000 sorties, 1,300 strikes, and the elimination of 700 combatants. As a force protection expert, he directly influenced airfield security and integrated defense by overseeing and enabling 51 force actions and guiding two unexploded ordinance sweeps, ensuring the rapid return of airfield operations and the protection of $3 billion of aircraft and 1,600 airmen, and led the derailment of 85 enemy attacks and the removal of 26 Taliban fighters from the battlefield.”
“Not every veteran performs great acts like SMSgt Jeffers, but every veteran is truly a hero in their own right simply because they serve,” CCMSgt O’Keefe told those gathered. She added, “Every veteran needs the support of friends, families, employers and communities. Without your support, they could not do what they do. For that, we are all extremely grateful for your service to our veterans.”
A moment of silence followed O’Keefe’s speech during which five of the town’s veterans – Ed Piercey, Gerard Pelletier, Ken Ravioli, Al DiSalvo and Michael Barker – whose service spanned from World War II to the Gulf War, placed wreaths at each of the town’s five war memorials: WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, and Wars and Other Events. The fifth memorial commemorates many of the town’s heroes from Revolutionary times to the present day, including all 10 lives lost when a B17 “flying fortress” bomber crashed in town on July 18, 1942 during WWII.
“Taps” was played by trumpeters Christopher Nearing and Cooper Mann, and the North Reading Company of Minit and Militia then fired musket volleys in tribute to the veterans. Magner offered closing remarks and Pastor Fisher provided the benediction. The band played “God Bless America” to conclude the ceremony.
After the ceremony a reception was held in the Senior Center for the participants.