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Roy Thomas, 83, of Marstons Mills, who served in the Army in the Korean War; Donald Treimann, 83, of Marstons Mills, who served in the Army during the Korean War and in the United Nations; Sebastian Pina, 90, of Marstons Mills, who served in World War II and the Korean War; and Chester Winchell, 89, of Osterville, who served in World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War; get ready for the Town of Barnstable's Veterans Day Parade to start.
HYANNIS – Hundreds of people who attended the Town of Barnstable’s Annual Soldiers Veterans’ Day Program on the Hyannis Village Green paid tribute to those who have served the country.
Speakers called on attendees to thank those who have served but also to do more than offer thanks.
The keynote speaker, Colonel Timothy A. Mullen, State Quartermaster of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, said that when people see him in the local supermarket when he is wearing his uniform, they often thank him for serving.
“But what I ask you is I give you a task. Just don’t walk up and thank them but help them, donate time, donate money, just talk to them. Thanking them is great but helping them is even better,” he said.
Barnstable Town Council President Jessica Rapp-Grassetti said that it is the soldiers who have given Americans the rights they have. “The soldier who salutes the flag, serves beneath the flag and whose coffin is draped by the flag, gives us our freedom. Thank you. We are profoundly grateful for your honor, sacrifice and service,” she said to those gathered.
Veteran Minos Gordy of Centerville said he comes to the event every year and hopes it continues. “I hope that new veterans that are coming from places like Iraq and Afghanistan will continue on with this tradition,” he said.
Army Reservist Steve Pettiglio of Osterville came to the event with his son, whose troop marched in the parade. “I like to reflect on all the soldiers in the past who have put their life on the line to protect our freedom and liberties of this country,” he said.
