Dozens of Swampscott firefighters, police officers, town officials, Boy and Girl Scouts, and residents gathered Monday to honor those who have served the country at a Veterans Day ceremony.
“We thank you for joining us for all of those who have served our nation, past and present,” said Director of Veterans’ Services Mike Sweeney.
Veterans Day began as Armistice Day in 1919 to commemorate the end of World War I and became a federal holiday in 1938. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there were more than 15.8 million veterans in 2023, most of whom were over the age of 50. Veterans make up about 6.1% of the nation’s population.
“Each of our veterans is a link in the proud chain of patriots that has stood in the defense of our country, and each understood the price of freedom, and each shouldered that burden on our behalf,” Select Board Member David Grishman said. “Our veterans represent the best of America. You are the spine of America, not just the backbone. You’re the spine of this country, and all of us owe you.”
About a dozen veterans sat before the podium and stood for recognition during a medley of service songs. Erin DiLiso and students from Swampscott Elementary School presented each veteran with a token of gratitude.
Warren Griffin, a former national commandant and Marine Corps League Vietnam veteran, served as the morning’s guest speaker. He began his remarks by recalling how World War I was once thought to be the war to end all wars, but, he said, “there was always evil lurking.”
“Now who are these exceptional people we call veterans?” Griffin asked. “They are your waiters, babysitters, landscapers, athletes, athletes who sat on the bench, newspaper deliverers, caddies, etc. They became exceptional because they made that commitment to serve their country in its military. This was a major step in a young person’s development and character.”
Griffin noted that during World War II, about 12% of Americans served in the military, compared to 10.7% during the Korean War, 9.7% during the Vietnam War, and just 1% during the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars.
“The 99% of us need to honor these new veterans,” Griffin said. “They were 18, 19, 20 or more and signed the pledge to support and defend our nation.”
Griffin also shared the story of his friend and Swampscott veteran, John Champion. Champion, a Marine who flew helicopters in Vietnam, volunteered for service and flew missions in the I-Corps region of the north while Griffin served in the 4-Corps area of the south.
Champion was shot down over water during one mission. After freeing himself from his harness and swimming toward shore with an Army pilot, he realized another Marine, who had asked to join the flight, was trapped. Champion returned to the helicopter, released the Marine, and helped bring him to safety.
“Fortunately they were rescued, and the army pilot submitted John’s name for a medal for heroism,” Griffin said. “When the letter was received by our colonel, it was denied, as it was submitted by an army officer, and, as such, could not be recognized by the Marine Corps.”
Champion never received a formal medal, Griffin said.
“John finally gets his recognition as a hero, even though the Marine Corps would not go along with that,” Griffin said. “So today, you get honored by your community.”
Adrian Laporte, from Boy Scouts Troop 53, recited the poem “Freedom Isn’t Free,” and high school student Scout Myers performed the National Anthem and “Amazing Grace.” Swampscott Fire Department Chaplain Rev. Mark Templan led two prayers, and Essex County Sheriff Kevin Coppinger also offered remarks.
“Being a veteran, regardless of what branch of the military you serve, you don’t know what tomorrow brings,” Coppinger said. “Especially today, where the world is so topsy turvy with all the kinds of issues going on, and we depend so much on our veterans, for our freedom, our democracy and our future.”
