Photo: Jay Willett/WBZ NewsRadio
QUINCY, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — City officials, military veterans, and state leadership gathered for the dedication ceremony of the Lone Sailor statue at Quincy Navy Park Friday morning.
The Lone Sailor symbolizes the men and women who served, are serving, or will serve in the U.S. Navy. It depicts a petty officer with his hands stuffed into his coat pockets, a duffel bag beside him, eyes forward and ready to serve.
Read More: Boston Hotel Workers Go On Strike Demanding Better Benefits And Wages
Addressing the weather, Joseph F. Dunford Jr., retired Marine general, former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and master of ceremonies, said, "There’s an expression that sailors are most happy when they’re haze, gray, and underway, and so appropriately enough it is haze, gray, and the program is now underway."
"As we all know, this city is rich in history in so many ways, particularly in the area of the military," said Quincy Mayor Thomas Koch, the first of several speakers. "20 destroyers were built on this site in World War I."
Vice Admiral Colin Kilrain, one of six Quincy-made admirals symbolized in the Lone Sailor, also noted the city's military history.
"It’s obvious to anyone walking through downtown Quincy that this is a military friendly town," Kilrain said. "Quincy has a long tradition of military service dating from the Revolutionary War to present day. It’s appropriate we honor this history to ensure each generation understands and appreciates the contributions of its service members."
In an emotional moment, Kilrain took off his Navy Seal pin and gave it to Francis Bellotti, the former attorney general and lieutenant governor of Massachusetts who served as a frogman in World War II, to make him an "honorary Seal."
The ceremony also recognized 100-year-old World War II veteran Mildred "Millie" Cox, one of the first female Marines.
"I saw a call to duty and I answered it," Cox told the crowd.
Quincy joins several other cities to host a Lone Sailor memorial, including Dallas, Texas, Long Beach, California, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, and Normandy, France.
WBZ's Jay Willett (@JayWillettWBZ) reports.
Follow WBZ NewsRadio: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | iHeartmedia App | TikTok