Photo: Carl Stevens/WBZ NewsRadio
LYNN, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — Dozens of Vietnam War veterans were at Lynn City Hall on Monday morning for a ceremony honoring their service.
The ceremony included a proclamation from Lynn Mayor Jared Nicholson declaring that March 31 will be Vietnam Veterans Day. It concluded with the reading of the names of those from Lynn killed in the line of service in Vietnam, followed by a moment of silence.
“Lynn is proud of the sacrifices made by those from our city, who served with bravery and distinction in the Vietnam War, [and] most especially, those who made the ultimate sacrifice,” said Nicholson. “We want to make sure that here in 2025, we are thanking those who served.”
Marine veteran Bob Lennon said ceremonies like these mean a lot.
“We love it every year. It’s a great honor to be a part of this,” said Lennon. “We’re all here to celebrate in memory of things that we didn’t hear back in the 70s. We didn’t have this kind of honor in the 70s.”
Due to the political implications of the Vietnam War at the time, Lennon said it took a while for its veterans to receive recognition.
“We always did feel that we were a part of an important group, but the rest of the country at that time did not honor us. Ever since 9/11, people are saying, ‘Thank you for your service,’” said Lennon.
WBZ NewsRadio’s Carl Stevens (@CarlWBZ) reports.