DiNatale Honors Veterans (11/12/09)
Posted 2009-11-12 18:09:21
Local heroes recognized during ceremony
By Emily Devlin, edevlin@sentinelandenterprise.com
Posted: 11/12/2009 07:02:18 AM EST
FITCHBURG -- A veteran is someone who has faced risk with great bravery, state Rep. Stephen DiNatale, D-Fitchburg, said on Wednesday, during the city's Veterans Day exercises at the Fitchburg Senior Center.
The title, "veteran," is one that "speaks of courage and sacrifice in the face of mortal danger. It is a title that speaks of compassion and heartbreak in the wake of the terrible cost," DiNatale said in a speech at the center's O'Neil Hall.
DiNatale spoke to a full house on Wednesday. Other notable guests included George LeBlanc, president of the Fitchburg Veterans Council, Mayor Lisa Wong, members of the City Council and numerous veterans from all branches of the military.
Ward 2 City Councilor Norman Boisvert, a Navy veteran, said he felt especially moved by a speech from Marine Corps Sgt. Robert Simon about the sacrifices families make when loved ones are at war.
"He kind of brought home what we all feel," said Boisvert.
Simon, the Reserve Officer Training Corps instructor at Montachusett Regional Technical High School, told the crowd about his memories of returning home from Iraq in 2003, and watching his young daughter perform in a dance recital. Simon said he was moved by the number of girls whose fathers were missing that day, because they were still away at war.
"Probably for the first time, I really understood what (families) endure when we're gone," said Simon.
DiNatale later honored Theryn Blauser, the city
veteran's agent, with a citation from the Massachusetts House of Representatives, for 12 years of service to Fitchburg veterans. Blauser, who will retire next week, received two standing ovations from the audience.
"To have the two standing ovations really makes you feel that what you've done has made a difference," said Blauser.
Blauser also had the pleasure of watching his 8-year-old granddaughter, Abby Blauser, sing "God Bless America," as part of Brownie Troop 30714. The troop accompanied the Fitchburg High School Band.
Blauser, and her friend, 9-year-old Emma Auger, said singing for veterans is their way of thanking them.
"They served in the war, and some have died," said Blauser. "I would like to say 'thank you'."
Charles Hauler, a World War II Veteran well into his eighties, sang Wednesday, too, hitting every note of "The Star-Spangled Banner."
The FHS Band also played a musical selection that combined the traditional service songs for every branch of the military. Veterans stood to be recognized during their respective service songs.
Ida Kymalainen, whose granddaughter is a member of the band, said she was glad to see children participating in the celebration.
"I think it's kind of important to let the kids know what it's all about, and that (Veterans Day) is not just a day off," said Kymalainen.
Gerald Beloine, a Korean War Veteran, and Commander of American Legion Post 10, said he was glad both veterans and their families were recognized for their sacrifices at Wednesday's ceremony. He was also pleased to see Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts, take part in the ceremony.
"Getting them to participate is very nice," said Beloine, adding that the Girl Scouts put out "a hell of a spread," in one of the Senior Center dining rooms following the ceremony.
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