The Tri-Town tradition of honoring those who have served our country continues, and with each year as participation grows and grows, these Veterans Day observances have established themselves as core community events in the annual Tri-Town cycle.
The public is invited to attend the observances of Marion and Mattapoisett this Monday, November 11, at “the eleventh hour on the eleventh day of the eleventh month” to honor American veterans past and present.
In Marion at 11:00 am, the 2019 Annual Marion Veterans Day Ceremony will be held inside the Sippican School multipurpose room. Entry to this event is through the Park Street bus loop doors. The guest speaker selected this year is Marion native CDR Jesse McFadden.
McFadden graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2001 with a Bachelor of Science degree in political science. In 2003, McFadden earned his Wings of Gold in 2003, continuing on to serve as a career naval helicopter pilot. McFadden accumulated 2,600 flight hours and received his Masters of Arts degree in leadership studies in 2015 from Marshall University. McFadden has received numerous awards and decorations, such as the Meritorious Service Medal, three Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, and a number of unit and campaign decorations.
Those in attendance will be treated to a playlist of patriotic tunes performed by the Sippican School Band led by Mrs. Hannah Moore.
Simultaneously over in Mattapoisett at 11:00 am, American Legion Florence Eastman Post 280 will hold its 2019 Annual Veterans Day Ceremony inside the cafetorium of Old Hammondtown School. This year’s guest speaker will be retired United States Navy Reserve Captain Steven P. Gardiner.
Gardiner is highly decorated and completed over 30 years of commissioned service.
The Old Hammondtown School Band and Chorus will provide its own assortment of patriotic-themed tunes, and the Showstoppers will also be making an appearance.
Following these events, the Marion Council on Aging is hosting a Veterans Day luncheon at 12:30 pm at the Benjamin D. Cushing Community Center, 465 Mill Street, Marion. Veterans and a guest are welcome, but please RSVP to 508-748-3570 by Friday, November 8,if planning to attend.
The Wanderer wishes to thank all veterans for their service and sacrifice, as well as the families of those who served or continue to serve.
This information was compiled from materials made available by the Towns of Marion and Mattapoisett.