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Everett community gathered to show appreciation to those who served in the military
Special to The Advocate
The City of Everett hosted the Veterans Day Ceremony and Luncheon on Saturday, Nov. 11, at the Connolly Center to honor all who have served in the United States military. It was a full house at the Connolly Center as veterans, elected officials and community members gathered to show appreciation for all the local veterans who have served in the United States military.
The City of Everett’s Veterans Services Director, Antoine Coleman, was this year’s keynote speaker. Coleman, an Everett High School (EHS) graduate, served in the United States Marine Corps for 11 years. During his service, he was deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan and Honduras before being honorably discharged from the Marine Corps. He now leads Everett’s Veterans Services Department and serves Everett’s veterans.
In addition to Coleman, speakers at the ceremony included Sgt. Major Thomas Ardita, Mayor Carlo DeMaria, State Senator Sal DiDomenico, State Representative Joe McGonagle and Bishop Robert Brown.
The EHS Band and Color Guard performed throughout the ceremony. The band performed many patriotic medleys and also played Taps following the traditional moment of silence on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in honor of Armistice Day. In that hour in 1918, the armistice was signed – marking the end of World War I, which took the lives of many soldiers and civilians.
“I am truly grateful for the opportunity to show our appreciation for the men and women who served our country,” said Mayor DeMaria. “I’d like to thank our Veterans Services Department for helping put together another wonderful ceremony and all those who contributed and joined us to make this event a great success.”
In his remarks, Mayor DeMaria announced that he is asking the Everett City Council to pass a resolution that will recognize Everett as a Purple Heart City. This allows the City of Everett to place signs around Everett informing residents of this designation and to help honor the recipients of the oldest military award dating back to the Revolutionary War in recognition of being wounded or killed in service.
“We have tremendous respect for our veterans in the City of Everett, and I am asking my colleagues in the City Council to pass a resolution that will recognize Everett as a Purple Heart City as a special show of thanks to our veterans,” said Mayor DeMaria. “This will hopefully serve as a continual reminder for all of us to show our thanks and appreciation to the members of our armed forces for all they have done for us.”
If you would like to know about all of the upcoming events the City of Everett has planned, please visit cityofeverett.com/calendar/category/events/list. You can also follow the official social media pages on Facebook, Instagram and X (the platform formerly known as Twitter). Facebook: /cityofeverettma and /mayorcarlodemaria. Instagram: @cityofeverettma and @mayorcarlodemaria. X: @City_EverettMA and @Mayor_DeMaria. All are welcome to attend the many exciting events that are planned.
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