By Melanie Petrucci, Senior Community Reporter
Northborough – With respect, honor and gratitude – volunteers and staff of the Northborough Senior Center hosted approximately 100 guests for its Veterans’ Day Luncheon held Nov. 8 in the center’s Bistro at 119.
Kelly Burke, director of the Senior Center, recognized several organizations and individuals who were instrumental to the success of the luncheon, notably; the Friends of the Northborough Senior Center, Ed and Mary Ellen Bombard, the Vincent F. Picard Post 234, American Legion, the DIVAS from the Northborough Church of Christ, employees from both Sanofi and Iron Mountain (many of whom volunteered) and senior center volunteers and staff.
“As we know any large event like this takes a lot of people and they do a lot of great things,” Burke said. “Everybody had a part in making this the wonderful day that it is so I thank you.”
Town Administrator John Coderre and author and storyteller Mike Walling were the featured speakers.
Coderre said that it was one of his favorite events of the year and that Veterans Day has special meaning in his family.
“Today is about appreciation and about saying thank you,” Coderre added. “It’s important, these events and it’s important to take the time to acknowledge people and to speak with them personally.”
Walling noted that in Europe and Canada the day is called “Remembrance Day” which he thought was a more inclusive term.
“We want to remember not only the American veterans but also the veterans of our allies, the men and women who have fought through-out many conflicts that don’t resonate in history…” he stated.
Walling was followed by a moving and powerful POW/MIA Remembrance executed by the AIR Force ROTC Cadets from Burncoat High School, under the direction of SM Sgt. Pattie Hassan.
The luncheon concluded with the performance of anthems from all branches of the military.
