Subscribe to The Advocate Online for Local News & Sports! Scan Here! Vol. 33, No. 46 -FREE- www.advocatenews.net Published Every Friday Malden Unified Basketball is “Number 1” 617-387-2200 Friday, November 15, 2024 Mayor Christenson blends past with present in special Malden Veterans Day celebration City unveils new World War I statue at Devir Park military service recognition memorial By Steve Freker H e has been looking at the city with a historical eye all NUMBER ONE: Malden High School’s Unified Basketball Team’s Raquel Machado let everyone know what she thinks of her team at Tuesday’s Greater Boston League Basketball Jamboree. See the story and more photos inside. year long, considering the intrinsic story of Malden’s 375th Anniversary being a civic focal point in 2024. On Monday, Mayor Gary Christenson blended the past with the present in a stirring address to a receptive audience, one of the many highlights of a very special Veterans Day celebration. The Mayor referenced last week’s national vote, one of the most closely watched Presidential elections in American history – the results less than a week old – and then gave credit where it was due. “As you know, last week our nation came together to exercise our fundamental right to vote. Now there has been a lot of focus on the results, from President, to members of Congress, to all the state races and ballot questions,” Mayor Christenson said. “For me, though, the focus has been on the fact that we live in a country where we have the fundamental freedom to discuss these results, thanks to the veterans who protected them,” the Mayor added. “Without a doubt, it has been their selfl essness and service that has strengthened our democracy, and it has been their determination and resolve that has preserved our freedom to participate in the democratic process.” “I am so proud to say Malden doesn’t forget and our commuWORLD WAR I REPLICA: From left: Veterans’ Services Offi cer Kevin Jarvis, Mayor Gary Christenson and Cemetery Director Chris Rosa check out the newly unveiled World War I replica statue at Devir Park in Malden. (Advocate Photo) nity remains ever grateful,” Mayor Christenson said. The Mayor had opened his remarks by recalling the words of our 33rd U.S. President, Harry Truman, in a 1945 address to Congress, “Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid. They have earned our undying gratitude. America will never forget their sacrifi ces.” The spotlight of the day was on the unveiling of the new, lifesize bronze statue of an authentic World War I soldier, in full circa 1917-18 uniform. The statue is one of many now erected in Malden. Several other similar, lifesize fi gures are in place at Forest Dale Cemetery on Forest Street, honoring veterans of World War II, Vietnam and Desert Storm. Mayor Christenson pointed out that Malden continues to make sure all of its veterans are recognized. “I know of no other community that recognizes it VETERANS | SEE PAGE 9
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