Page 4 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, MAy 30, 2025 Memorial Day Reflections in Saugus “The real-world events of the past 18 months further highlight the extraordinary legacy of service and sacrifice.” (Editor’s Note: Wakefield native Shelby M. Nikitin, the former Naval commander of the guided-missile destroyer USS Thomas Hudner, gave the keynote speech at last Saturday’s Memorial Day Ceremony at Riverside Cemetery. A text of that address follows.) Captain Castinetti, thank you for the invitation to be here with all of you today to celebrate the brave men and women who have served in our nation’s wars. Their sacrifices, courage and unwavering commitment to our country have inspired generations (hunKEYNOTE SPEAKER: Naval Commander Shelby M. Nikitin saluted the flag during the close of last Saturday’s Memorial Day Ceremony at Riverside Cemetery. In her address, Nikitin talked about her 10 months as Naval commander of the guided-missile destroyer USS Thomas Hudner. (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler) dreds of years later!) to continue to answer the call to serve with the same dedication and devotion to the mission. This is a very special year in our military history, as we honor the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War, the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army and most importantly, the 250th Anniversary of the U.S. Navy! As Captain Castinetti mentioned, we stand on the shoulders of giants, like Captain Thomas Hudner, who served with such distinction that the generations who follow are compelled to honor such an extraordinary legacy. Everett Supplies Aluminum 10 Everett Ave., Everett 617-389-3839 Celebrating 66 Years in Business! •Vinyl Siding •Free Estimates •Carpentry Work •Fully Licensed •Decks •Roof ng • Fully Insured • Replacement Windows www.everettaluminum.com Now’s the time to schedule those home improvement projects you’ve been dreaming about all winter! Legends like the Kasabuski brothers, whose story lives on, bringing community together at the rink. While they paid the ultimate sacrifice for this great nation during World War II, their service is not forgotten. I too grew up skating on that rink and I am humbled to know I played a small role keeping their legacy alive. In fact, embedded in every Veteran’s service is a testament to those who served before. Furthermore, their legacy of service and sacrifice is upheld by all who take the time to come together at ceremonies and events like this, ensuring their service and sacrifice lives on in all of us. The real-world events of the past 18 months further highlight the extraordinary legacy of service and sacrifice. After the events in Israel on October 7, 2023, followed quickly by the USS Carney engagements on October 19, 2023, the most intense combat engagement by a U.S. Navy warship since World War II, the dynamics of the Red Sea challenged the sea-lanes of communication and the free flow of commerce. During a time of significant uncertainty, there was one ship that was called upon to sail into combat alone with the threat of more attacks looming on the horizon. That ship was the mighty USS Thomas Hudner. The battle space in the Red Sea was congested, unpredictable, uncomfortably hot, infested with flies the size of golf balls and complicated by civilian presence and activity. For much of the early stages of the conflict, THD operated alone inside the threat area surrounding the Bab el Mandeb Strait. Our primary focus was maintaining the sea-lanes of communication and ensuring the safe passage of all ships transiting through this strategic waterway. Of note, 40% of REFLECTIONS | SEE PAGE 8 Spring is Here!
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