Malden remembers those who served on Veterans Day

Mayor Christenson: commitment to city’s first veterans housing project a highlight this year

By Steve Freker

Malden has long honored its military veterans and acknowledged their service and the sacrifices they have made. On Veterans Day 2025 Tuesday, city and state officials, representatives of Malden’s veterans organizations, a patriotic bevy of local residents, the Malden Police and Malden Fire Dept. respective Honor Guards were all on hand at Forest Dale Cemetery to say “thank you.” Despite it being the coldest day of the year since February, with the temperatures darting into the high 30s, it did not stop even 99-year-old John Picardi, Malden’s oldest World War II veteran, from spreading his goodwill at the event.

Mayor Gary Christenson, who spoke at the annual ceremony Tuesday, was surrounded by the impressive display of life-size bronze statues of servicemen representing the various wars and armed conflicts of American history. This was how Malden honored its own in Veterans Days’ past. On Tuesday, the Mayor gave grace to the Malden veterans in history, noting their service, commitment and honor — and for some the ultimate sacrifice — but he also spoke of a new way this city is choosing to honor its veterans. Mayor Christenson relayed some great news on what is believed to be a first in Malden: a housing project dedicated as new homes for our community’s veterans.

“I am pleased to announce we are moving forward quickly on the new project by Volunteers of America-Massachusetts to create 12 new units of housing for Malden military veterans,” Mayor Christenson said. “Those who serve our nation in the military have always had a place of honor in our community. This is another way to show our gratitude and respect.”

The project entails a reuse of an existing three-story office building at 105–105A Salem St., situated between Albion and Holden Streets, formerly housing law offices. Volunteers of America-Mass., a nonprofit that assists veterans and others who are underserved with housing and related services, acquired the property earlier this year. The group recently were granted a special permit to renovate the building into 12 studio units.

“Most of this new housing for our veterans will also be designated as affordable, another important feature for our residents,” the Mayor said. “We are grateful to Volunteers of America President Charles Gagnon, who is here with us today, and our state and federal officials who support their efforts.”

Also on hand for the Veterans Day ceremony were Malden Veterans’ Services Officer Kevin Jarvis, Malden state Reps. Paul Donato (D-Malden, Medford) and Steve Ultrino (D-Malden), Malden City Councillors Peg Crowe (Ward 2), Ari Taylor (Ward 5) and Stephen Winslow (Ward 6), Police Chief Glenn Cronin, Fire Chief Steve Froio and Cemetery Director Chris Rosa.