Hudson thanks veterans with ceremony at Town Hall

Hudson – On a cold and windy Nov. 11, Hudson residents expressed gratitude to military veterans with a ceremony outside the Town Hall. The Veterans Day parade that traditionally begins on South Street didn’t take place because of road construction.

The ceremony was emceed by Commander Joe Jacobs of American Legion Post 100 and AMVETS Post 208. Hudson High School Marching Band, under the direction of Jason Caron, provided patriotic music. “The Pledge of Allegiance” was recited by Olivia Connolly of Girl Scout Troop 69239 and Zachary Randolph of Boy Scout Troop 77.

Veterans Agent Brian Stearns noted that this year’s holiday also marked an historic worldwide milestone.

“On Nov. 11, 1918 – the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month – the armistice that halted fighting in World War I was signed in a Paris train station,” he said. “Today, on this 100th anniversary, we remember this conflict and the men, women and children who died as a result, and the millions who were forever affected.”

Stearns also welcomed to the podium Army National Guard Master Sgt. Anthony DeProfio, who recently returned to his Hudson home from a 10-month deployment in Kosovo. DeProfio has served a 35-year military career.

State Sen. Jamie Eldridge (D-Acton) and state Rep. Kate Hogan (D-Stow) shared their pride that Massachusetts offers the most generous veteran benefits in the country. Selectmen Chair John Parent, an Air Force veteran, spoke from the point of view of a military family, noting that his brother Jeffrey was killed in action in Vietnam. Hudson military mom Eileen Gelsomini, author of “Courage and Faith,” encouraged parents to teach their children the importance of patriotism.

A collation followed the ceremony at AMVETS Post 208.