LYNN — The annual Lynn Veterans Day Ceremony, sponsored by the Lynn/Swampscott Dept. of Veterans Services, was held at Lynn City Hall and honored the 19 fallen Vietnam Veterans of Lynn.

Mike Sweeney, the director of veterans services for Lynn, first spoke and had past veterans stand up. This received a lot of applause from the room. One of these honored veterans in attendance was Robert (Bud) Klasner. 

The names of the 19 Lynn Vietnam Veterans who had died during the war were recognized by Sweeney: Corporal Edward Anderson, Private First Class Frederick G. Atkinson, Lance Corporal Kevin A. Cahill, Sgt. Kenneth R. Carter, Corporal Davia A. Chisholm, Lance Corporal John D. Evans, Private 1st Class Eric A. Fisher, Corporal William J. Flint, Corporal Norman W. Grant Jr., Corporal James J. Hazard, Private 1st Class John J. Mailloux, Specialist 5 Michael L. McCafferty, Private 1st Class Irving G. Miller, Lance Corporal Robert J. Nelson, Corporal William J. O’Brien, Corporal George A. Odiorne, Corporal Peter J. Pennucci, Specialist 4 John L Ramsey and Specialist 5 Carleton W. Upton.

A long moment of silence was followed.

Sweeney expressed the importance of community recognition for veterans as well as making sure that there are enough resources and services available in the city for matters such as PTSD and homelessness. 

The Lynn Armory was an example of one of these steps in Lynn that he found vital and a step in the right direction.

City Council Veterans Commission Chair Nicole McClain also shared the importance of accessibility to the resources and services Sweeney mentioned.

McClain herself had served in the military in two different operations in Iraq and mentioned how grateful she was to receive the resources available to her when she got home. She thanked the Vietnam veterans for paving a different path for her and other future veterans. 

“I just really want to thank you (Vietnam veterans) for spreading awareness, making sure our country understands the importance of our community, our service, and our sacrifice. We are indebted to you,” McClain said. 

She also mentioned her commitment to the cause, expressing,  “With the support of the city, I’m able to continue to provide services.” 

The mayor, Jared Nicholson, made a proclamation at the ceremony, stating that the city of Lynn continues to honor the brave men and women who had served in the Vietnam War and announcing March 29, 2024, as Vietnam Veterans Day in the City of Lynn. 

Many community members attended the event and came to honor those they knew and loved who had fallen, and were appreciative that the city continues to pay respects to them during this annual ceremony. 

Jane Cahill was one of the members in attendance, who was there to honor her brother-in-law, Kevin A. Cahill, who was one of the 19 Lynn Vietnam Veterans that had passed.

“It was nice to see his name mentioned,” Cahill said. “He’s one of the 19 names…he was just a young guy, 19 years old, graduated from Lynn English High School and then…” 

Cahill said that it was nice to be recognized by Mike Sweeney and appreciated everyone from the city who came to support and honor Kevin and the other 18 veterans who had fallen. 

“The individuals that serve deserve our unending gratitude,” Nicholson said. “ And it’s on all of us to fulfill that commitment every day.”