THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2020 Page 5 VETERANS DAY | FROM PAGE 1 showed up to Saugus Veterans Park on Wednesday had to have felt strange, too, as they observed a Veterans Day tempered by COVID-19. It was anything but a normal ceremony. For starters, the unseasonably warm weather could not have been much better – in the mid to upper 70’s with a little wind blowing across the park. Looking out at the small crowd, Saugus Veterans Council Commander Steve Castinetti noticed that Selectman Jeffrey Cicolini was dressed in shorts, more like he was looking forward to a day at the beach. Castinetti also recalled some very cold days – so shivering-cold that people couldn’t talk. But with one of the best days ever for a Veterans Day celebration, Castinetti explained the reason for the poor turnout of more than 50 people. It was by invitation only. The Veterans Council decided to limit the crowd to 25 people – mostly town officials and veterans leaders. “Apparently, we have a lot more than invited,” he said. On a normal Nov. 11, the great weather would have attracted several hundred town and area residents. There would have been a wreath ceremony at Veterans Memorial Elementary School. The Saugus High School Marching Band would have performed some patriotic tunes. And, possibly, some of the crowd – particularly veterans – may have assembled upstairs at the Cpl. Scott J. Procopio Post 210 Saugus American Legion Executive Officer Robert O’Toole read an inspiring rendition of “Old Glory,” offering a history of where the American flag has been over the years, accompanying men and women of the American Armed Forces. “I have fought in every battle of every war for the last 200 years,” he said, reading from the history of “Old Glory.” Veterans’ Service Officer Jay MOMENT OF RECOGNITION: Saugus Veterans Council Commander Steve Castinetti at the lectern closed the Veterans Day Ceremony the traditional way on Wednesday (Nov. 11) at Saugus Veterans Park by inviting all veterans to join him as they received applause for their service to their country. (Saugus Advocate photos by Mark E. Vogler) Hall for a bite to eat later. But to protect the Veterans Day observers from the spread of the Coronavirus, the event was scaled down dramatically this year. Everyone wore face masks or facial coverings, tried to observe social distancing and fist-pumped or banged arms as an alternative to handshaking. The Lynn English Junior ROTC participated with color guards, as has been traditional for many years. And the hour-long ceremony ended with all veterans assembling being asked to stand in front of the archway to be recognized for their service. “You are the real heroes…” State Rep. Donald Wong (R-Saugus) in brief remarks said he hopes that the nation will continue to show strong appreciation for its veterans. “Through the years, some of our veterans weren’t greeted properly when they came back [from war],” Wong said. “I hope from now on, all of the veterans will be treated properly when they come back,” he said. Wong added that he hopes there won’t be more wars. Board of Selectmen Chair Anthony Cogliano hailed veterans as “the real heroes in this country.” Cogliano also hopes that the country will soon recover from the Coronavirus pandemic so veterans could get the recognition they deserve. The Rev. Bob Leroe offered prayers before and after the ceremonies. Saugus Veterans Council Pinette read the official proclamation from Gov. Charlie Baker on Veterans Day which recognizes the 388,000 living veterans in Massachusetts. The proclamation also commemorated the 102nd anniversary of the Armistice that ended the fighting in World War I – the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 – in what was supposed to be “The war to end all wars.” Once again, as in past years, Steve Castraberti and Prince Pizzeria offered all local veterans to enjoy their lunch for free in recognition for their service to the country. www.eight10barandgrille.com We Have Reopened for Dine-In and Outside Seating every day beginning at 4 PM WE'RE OPEN! 8 Norwood Street, Everett (617) 387-9810 STAY SAFE!
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