Photo: WBZ NewsRadio Archive
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — The City of Boston honored and celebrated the sacrifices and heroic works of local Black veterans during this Black History Month.
“It is on us in Boston to show a different pathway that we recognize the scale of sacrifice that has come before,” Mayor Wu said at the annual City Hall event Saturday, hosted by the Office of Veteran Services.
Several local Black veterans and their families came together to share memories and stories.
Among them was Haywood Fennell, a Vietnam Army veteran. “We are overlooked and underused community resource,” he said. “We got to thank the veteran every day.”
According to a profile by The Bay State Banner, Fennell overcame several adversities, including substance abuse and homelessness, after his time in service. He has spent the last three decades being a voice advocating for his community.
Commissioner Robert Santiago also took a moment to recognize the late Sadie Huff Belcher, who served in the all women 6888th Central Postal Battalion, also known is the Six Triple Eight, and said that Belcher not only embodied "highest standard of patriotism" but also shattered glass ceiling and paved the way for future generation
“We want to make sure again that Boston is home for everyone and that extends to each and everyone of our veterans, military families and gold star families as well,” Mayor Wu said.
WBZ NewsRadio's Mike Macklin reports.