The City of Chelsea held its Veterans Day Ceremony on Friday, Nov. 11 at the Chelsea Senior Center.
Councillor-at-Large and Vietnam War veteran Leo Robinson presided over the ceremony that honored Chelsea’s war veterans.
Veterans Services Officer Francisco Toro officially thanked the veterans in attendance for their outstanding service to their country.
Commander Billie J. Farrell, the first woman commander of the USS Constitution, was the guest speaker. Commander Farrell spoke about the interesting history of the famous battleship that is also known as Old Ironsides.
The Cantare, the CHS choir led by Director Michael Bednarsky, presented an outstanding musical performance that included the singing of the official songs of the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard, which was greatly appreciated by all in attendance, including Supt. of Schools Dr. Almi Abeyta and her father, U.S. Air Force veteran Eliseo “Max” Guajardo.
Sen. Sal DiDomenico, grandson of a World War II veteran, praised the courageous military service of the nation’s 19 million war veterans, stating, “We can’t do enough for our veterans. They have done so for much for all of us.”
City Manager Thomas Ambrosino gave the closing address in which he thanked Commander Farrell for her inspirational remarks and the veterans in attendance at the ceremony.
“I want to thank everyone from the community for coming and supporting our veterans today,” said Ambrosino. “It’s very important that communities like Chelsea take this day to publicly thank our veterans. We would not have the freedoms we are enjoying today without their immense sacrifice. On behalf of the city, I offer our deepest gratitude to you.”
Robinson lauded the efforts of his fellow members of the event organizing committee, Juan Carlos Morales, Ned Keefe, Giovanni Recupero, Tom Ambrosino, and Francisco Toro.
Following the ceremony, the guests enjoyed a delicious luncheon buffet provided by Michael G’s Restaurant.