UPDATE: A moving Veterans Day ceremony took place in Lynnfield on November 7, 2023, as community members gathered to honor the sacrifices of local veterans at the Veterans Memorial in Lynnfield Common. This urgent event featured heartfelt speeches from military and civilian leaders, emphasizing the importance of honoring those who defend freedom.
Veteran’s Agent Bruce Siegel emceed the ceremony, while Select Board Chairman Phil Crawford captivated the audience with poignant remarks. Guest of honor, retired Army Captain David Gallo, a native of Lynnfield, shared impactful stories from his service during Desert Storm and reflected on the local veterans who influenced his life.
Crawford quoted poet G.K. Chesterton, stating, “Courage is almost a contradiction in terms. It means a strong desire to live taking the form of a readiness to die.” His words resonated deeply with attendees, highlighting the unwavering belief in freedom shared by all American veterans.
Gallo, who enlisted in the Army National Guard in 1984 and was mobilized during Desert Storm in 1990, recounted the legacy of Lauren Lengyel, a Lynnfield Air Force captain and Vietnam POW. Gallo credited Lengyel’s story as a source of inspiration that helped him confront his own fears in battle.
“Reaching out to heroes like Lengyel is a true honor,” Gallo said. “His bravery has influenced my life in ways I can’t express.” The retired captain emphasized that the sacrifices of veterans extend beyond the battlefield, affecting their families profoundly.
“I remember my wife being much more nervous about me going off to war than I was,” Gallo shared, reminding the audience that family members also bear the weight of sacrifice.
Gallo concluded with a powerful message: “How we treat our veterans shapes the willingness of future generations to serve, directly impacting our nation’s security.” His call to action resonated with the crowd, emphasizing the need for ongoing support and recognition of the sacrifices made by veterans and their families.
This ceremony not only honored those who served but also inspired the community of Lynnfield to actively engage in remembering and supporting veterans. As Gallo said, “The wonderful town of Lynnfield understands this and lives it every day.”
The event concluded with a renewed commitment from attendees to honor the sacrifices of veterans, ensuring their legacy continues for future generations.
As communities across the nation reflect on Veterans Day, Lynnfield stands out as a model for honoring those who protect freedom. Share this story to inspire others to remember and support our heroes.
