Veterans Park will host Veterans Day Ceremonies in Saugus tomorrow

By Mark E. Vogler

There shouldn’t be any more confusion about the name of the park at the corner of Winter and Central Streets dedicated to the memory of all Saugus veterans, the living as well as the departed. A brand-new sign proclaiming “Veterans Park” – not Veterans Memorial Park or Veterans Monument Park – has been installed recently, just in time for the town’s annual Veterans Day ceremonies set for tomorrow (Saturday, Nov. 11) at 11 a.m.

“This park is for all of the veterans – not just those who are no longer with us,” Saugus Veterans Council Commander Steve Castinetti said this week.

“There are people on that wall who are still alive. We never had a sign there before. But thanks to the efforts of Chris Riley and a few other people, we do and it’s a welcome addition,” Castinetti said.

Former Precinct 2 Town Meeting Member Chris Riley authored Article 16, which was passed unanimously by this year’s Town Meeting. The measure formally named the War Monument area and green as “Veterans Park” and authorized installation of a sign.

“I am happy to report that the sign is complete and was installed on Friday, Oct. 27, at no cost to the Town or taxpayers,” Riley said.

“Thank you to Saugus Town Meeting for unanimously supporting this project, Dan Prezioso Sr for creating the sign, Dan Mahoney for making the sign posts, Pat Roche and crew at Stefano’s Landscaping for installation, Saugus Veterans Council for help with design, and Town Manager Scott Crabtree. All were very generous with their time and talent and I am very grateful,” he said. “The purpose of this project was to raise awareness on the location of Veterans Park, and to hopefully increase awareness and attendance at ceremonies like the Veterans Day ceremony held every year on November 11.”

CCM Robert O’Toole, Retired US Air Force and the executive officer of the Saugus Veterans Council, will be this year’s keynote speaker for the annual ceremony. The Salem Marine Corps Junior ROTC will present the colors. Debra Dion Faust of the American Legion is scheduled to sing the National Anthem.

“The ceremony will begin promptly at 11 a.m., rain or shine,” Castinetti said.

“The VFW has invited all veterans back to the VFW for a collation after the ceremony,” he said.

VFW Post 2346, also known as Staff Sgt. Arthur F. De Franzo Post, is a Veterans of Foreign Wars post located at 190 C Main St.