About 200 people gathered at Veterans Park in Saugus last Friday (Nov. 11) for the town’s annual observance of Veterans Day, a public recognition of Saugus men and women – living and departed – who have served or continue to serve in the United States Armed Forces. Robert “Boots” Chouinard, a 98-year-old Army veteran from Salisbury, gave this year’s keynote address, sharing his experiences from World War II. He served with the 128th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Gun Battalion and landed on Omaha Beach in Normandy, France, five days after D-Day The Saugus High School Band and band conductor Justin Jones performed several patriotic songs during the ceremony. The Revere High School Junior ROTC, accompanied by JROTC Instructor Deborah Bowker, of Saugus, served as the color guard. Saugus Veterans Services Officer Mike Saunders read the governor’s proclamation. Saugus Veterans Council Commander Steve Castinetti presided over the ceremony. M&T Bank of Route 1 in Saugus offered coffee and donuts to the public and green “welcome bags” to veterans before the ceremony. (Saugus Advocate photos by Mark E. Vogler).
Coffee Hour: Sylvester Vasquez, universal banker of M&T Bank/Saugus Branch, presented a green “Welcome bag” to Randy Briand, a Vietnam Veteran and the town’s graves registration officer, during a coffee hour hosted by the bank.World War II Army veteran Robert “Boots” Chouinard gave the keynote address.The Saugus High School marching band was led by band conductor Justin Jones (playing the saxophone).Saugus Veterans Council Commander Steve Castinetti welcomed the crowd at Veteran Park.Among the Saugus elected officials attending were – pictured from left to right – Selectmen Mike Serino, Corinne Riley, Debra Panetta, Jeff Cicolini and Anthony Cogliano and State Rep. Donald Wong.World War II reenactors, pictured from left to right: Steve Belyea, Jack Laramie and David Savoie.Saugus public safety officialsSaugus Boy Scout Troop 62 Scoutmaster John Kane and Life Scout Billy FerringoShown honoring the veterans, pictured from left to right: Kathy Cargill and Arlene Decareau.A show of appreciation: Saugus Veterans Council Commander Steve Castinetti asked the crowd to recognize the veterans.Two Saugus veterans, pictured from left to right: U.S. Army veteran Gordon Shepard and U.S. Air Force veteran L.W. “Soupy” Sayles, Jr.Taking a break several hours away from completing their 100-mile run to honor veterans were U.S. Marine veteran Brandon Montella and Nick Santullo. They are pictured with Saugus Veterans Council Commander Steve Castinetti.Saugus Veterans Services Officer Mike Saunders (left) read the governor’s proclamation as Saugus Veterans Council Commander Steve Castinetti looked on.Saugus veterans gathered toward the end of the Veterans Day ceremony.
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