By Bonnie Adams, Managing Editor
Photo/Bonnie Adams
Westborough – For the 20 veterans who reside at the Highlands Gracious Retirement Living complex, Veterans Day was special this year, thanks to a visit from the Westborough Fire Department.
As the veterans and their fellow residents sat outside, two fire engines, an ambulance, and several other vehicles pulled up in front of the building’s East Main Street location. After a greeting from Fire Chief Patrick Purcell, Firefighter Matt Stockwell, himself an U.S. Air Force veteran, addressed the seniors.
“The true strength of our country is the spirit and skills of those who serve,” he said. “Every one of you deserves the admiration of all of us.”
Purcell then passed out to each veteran a “challenge coin” which has an image of the original 1988 Westborough Fire Station on it.
Photo/submitted
And as one last treat, the department made WWII veteran Jack Crane, 96, an honorary firefighter and invited him to go for a ride up in Truck 1’s bucket, to the delight of all.
Besides Crane, five other Highlands residents served in WWII. They are Paul Lynch, Don Foss, Warren MacConnell, Chase Libby and John Guico.
