Page 4 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, NOVEmbEr 14, 2025 Veterans Day 2025 Principles from a fallen marine’s Journal live on By Mark E. Vogler I n his Veterans Day keynote address Tuesday (Nov. 11), retired U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Thomas J. Grace recalled the words of a fallen Marine who was killed in action while serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom in May of 2007 at the age of 34. “I’d like to close with a short writing Major Doug Zembiec wrote in his journal titled ‘Principles my father taught me,’” Lt. Col. Grace told the crowd at Veterans Park. Major Zembiec had the nickname “The Lion of Fallujah” and was also called “the unapologetic warrior.” “His words are as prophetic to the Veteran Community as If We Happen To Meet By Accident ... You’ll Be Glad You Found Us! There is a difference between the rest and the BEST! Celebrating 46 Years In Business! TONY’S AUTO BODY Call or Visit 781-321-0032 34 Sharon Street Malden, MA 02148 TONYSAUTOBODYLLC.COM COME VISIT OUR STATE OF THE ART BODY SHOP • Computerized Paint Matching (State of the Art Spray Booth) • Computerized Frame Machines • P.P.G. Refinishing System • R134 + 1234yf A/C Machines Fully Insured -RS2415 Insurance Company Approval ALL OUR WORK IS GUARANTEED! TONY BARTOLO Owner 46 Years Let Us Handle Your Next Insurance Claim. Go With the BEST It Doesn’t Get BETTER! RENTAL CARS Available KEYNOTE SPEAKER U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Thomas J. Grace (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler) they were to his men,” Lt. Col. Grace said. Major Zembiec wrote the following in his journal. • Be a man of principle. • Keep your word. • Serve your country. Teach. Mentor. Give something back to society. • Lead from the front. Conquer your fears. Be a good friend. • Be humble and self confident. Appreciate your friends and family. • Be a leader and not a follower. Be valorous on the field of battle. • Take responsibility for ASKS | FROM PAGE 3 Q: Tell me about your family. A: My husband, John, died at age 61. We were married for over 40 years. John worked at the Boston Fish Pier for many years and went to Eastern Airlines later as a cook. We had two girls. One passed away six years ago in Florida. I have two grandchildren. Sharon is 55 and Brian is 53. Q: I understand you are a big baseball fan. A: I’m a Yankees fan. I used to be a Red Sox fan. But the Yankees became my favorite team. Q: Did you watch a lot of ASKS | SEE PAGE 5 Antonetta D’Alessandro as a teenager growing up in East Boston (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate) your actions. • Never forget those who were killed and never let rest those that killed them. Lt. Col. Grace is the senior Fight for what you believe in. Marine Instructor in the Salem High School JROTC. “To my fellow veterans, continue to hold yourselves accountable, continue to live the oath and continue to promote the values that make our military and our nation great,” Lt. Col. Grace said. “Most importantly, take care of one another. Don’t break each other down. Let us honor our commitment by leading integrity,” he said.
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