Photo: James Rojas/WBZ NewsRadio
QUINCY, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — Quincy celebrated the servicepeople of their city with their annual Veterans Day Parade.
The march departed from Quincy High School, where they traveled up Russell and then turned right onto Hancock Street.
After stopping briefly at and placing a wreath on the World War I monument, they continued to the World War II Memorial at the corner of Southern Artery and Hancock Street.
Marching stopped at Merrymount Park, where a Veterans Day ceremony was held to honor those who served.
US Army Veteran and Quincy native Sgt. Thomas Lester was the keynote speaker for the ceremony and the Parade Marshal. Mayor Thomas Koch and Director of Quincy’s Veterans Services and Navy Veteran Christine Cugini also made an appearance at the event.
People from all over the city came to watch the parade, honor their veterans, and spend time together, despite the chilly weather.
“Layer up, do not wear shorts or skirts, because I’ve seen people doing that,” Quincy resident Lisa said. “You layer up the best you can with blankets and just enjoy each other’s company.”
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Many were hoping that this event will pass on a message of respect and reverence for servicepeople and the United States.
“They gain understanding and respect of ‘freedom is not free,’” one parade-goer said.
Chris Pierson is a Navy veteran of 22 years who brought his grandson to share these values on him.
“I’m trying to introduce Ziggy to the importance of respect for veterans, respect for our flag and country,” Pierson said.
He was happy to know that his city holds these values in high regard.
“There’s so many service men and woman from Quincy that served with distinction, and so Quincy takes a lot of pride in that,” Pierson said.
Michelle Dupis of the Dorothy Quincy Hancock Chapter of the National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution echoed Pierson, as she felt that Quincy was incredibly good to their servicepeople.
“(Quincy) doesn’t hold back in support of their veterans, from our mayor to our city councilors, they all support our veterans day in and day out,” Dupis said.
WBZ NewsRadio’s James Rojas (@JamesRojas.bsky.social) reports.