UPDATE: Lynnfield community members gathered on November 7, 2023, to honor local veterans during a heartfelt ceremony at the Veterans Memorial in Lynnfield Common. The event featured powerful speeches from both military and civilian leaders, emphasizing the sacrifices made by those who defend freedom.
Emceed by Veteran’s Agent Bruce Siegel, the ceremony included remarks from Phil Crawford, Select Board Chairman, who stressed the importance of honoring the contributions of veterans. “Courage is almost a contradiction in terms,” Crawford quoted poet G.K. Chesterton. He continued, “all American veterans share a common bond: their unwavering belief in the cause of freedom.”
Retired Army Captain and Lynnfield native David Gallo served as the guest of honor, recalling his impactful experiences during Desert Storm. Gallo shared how local veterans, including Lauren Lengyel, who endured six years as a prisoner of war in Vietnam, inspired him throughout his life.
“Lauren’s story helped me conquer my own fear in battle,” Gallo told attendees, emphasizing the emotional weight of such sacrifices. As he prepared for his retirement, Gallo reached out to Lengyel, expressing gratitude for his influence. “It was a true honor coming from a hero like that,” he remarked.
Gallo also highlighted the often-overlooked sacrifices made by veterans’ families. “My wife was much more nervous about me going off to war than I was,” he said, underlining the emotional toll that military service takes on loved ones.
He concluded with a powerful message: “How we treat our veterans determines whether future generations are willing to serve. This has a direct impact on the security of our country today and every day.” Gallo praised the town of Lynnfield for its commitment to honoring veterans, stating, “Lynnfield understands this and lives it every day.”
This ceremony not only honored the sacrifices of veterans but also served as a reminder of the ongoing need for community support and recognition of military service. As the nation approaches Veterans Day, the words shared by Gallo and others resonate deeply, reinforcing the importance of remembering those who have served.
As communities across the country prepare for Veterans Day, Gallo’s reflections serve as an urgent call to action—encouraging all to recognize and celebrate the sacrifices made by veterans and their families.
