Fairhaven town officials and volunteers listen as Fairhaven Veterans Agent Brad Fish speaks at the veterans memorial park in Fairhaven during a ceremony to create a Veterans Day video that the town will release on 11/11/20 in lieu of the annual parade that was canceled due to COVID-19 restrictions. Photo by Jean Perry.
By Jean Perry, Neighb News Correspondent
The new “normal” this pandemic imposed upon us has permeated our everyday life with hardship, inconvenience, tedium — adversity in every sense of the word. For our veterans, past or present, whether they have served in times of combat or relative peace, adversity is the “normal” experience in every sense of that word.
“Adversity in all veterans’ minds is commonplace,” said U.S. Army Staff Sergeant George Brownell, a veteran of the Vietnam War. Although adversity for a veteran fluctuates in form and degree, it follows our men and women in uniform one way or another regardless of change. “Our location changes, but our mission stays the same.”
The 2020 Veterans Day parade has become another annual Fairhaven tradition canceled due to the ongoing risk of COVID-19. Nonetheless, the community’s collective message of thanks will be broadcast by Fairhaven TV through a recorded Veterans Day observation filmed the morning of Thursday, 11/5, at the VFW Post 2892 Memorial Park at the corner of Route 6 and Middle Street.
U.S. Army Staff Sergeant George Brownell speaks at the veterans memorial park in Fairhaven during a ceremony to create a Veterans Day video that the town will release on 11/11/20 in lieu of the annual parade that was canceled due to COVID-19 restrictions. Photo by Jean Perry.
Fairhaven veterans and town officials gathered in front of the Fairhaven TV camera for the somber virtual event beginning with the reading of the names of all Fairhaven’s residents that served in the military.
Council on Aging Director Anne Silvia said it has always been an honor for her to participate every year, and she hopes to enjoy the honor in with many others in person next year.
During his address, Fairhaven Veterans Agent Bradford Fish said that although not all of them have seen war, veterans express their willingness to die for their country through their commitment to serve in the military. However, there is an ever-increasing number of tragic but preventable deaths, said Mr. Fish.
Every day roughly 20 veterans take “drastic and permanent measures” to end their life, said Mr. Fish, and in 2020 there has been a 30% increase in suicide among active duty service members.
Mr. Fish’s message to us: “Tell veterans … that you love them, that you appreciate their service.”
It is vital that veterans feel appreciated, Mr. Fish said, “And the easiest is to say thank you
Fairhaven town officials and volunteers listen as Fairhaven Council on Aging Director Anne Silvia speaks at the veterans memorial park in Fairhaven during a ceremony to create a Veterans Day video that the town will release on 11/11/20 in lieu of the annual parade that was canceled due to COVID-19 restrictions. Photo by Jean Perry.
for what you have done for our country.”
Mr. Fish then read Governor Charlie Baker’s Veterans Day Proclamation before welcoming Mr. Brownell to address the community.
The golden light of the low autumn sun ignited the colors of the flags flying above the group’s heads and at their feet lining the walkway; its rays cast long, narrow November shadows in front of the spectacle.
Mr. Brownell stood flanked by a few of the Fairhaven men who have served our country. As Mr. Brownell spoke, their familiar faces looked ahead toward Route 6 with its stream of cars and trucks, as some of them honked their horns at the sight as they passed. Mr. Brownell led the group in a salute before concluding the event.
After the filming, Mr. Brownell said “The people that showed up for this today … are all special. They know that to have Veterans Day is to be acknowledged — in our town, and every town,” said Mr. Brownell. “Even during ‘the new normal.’”
eterans and volunteers listen to the speakers at the veterans memorial park in Fairhaven during the filming of the Veterans Day video that the town will release on 11/11/20 in lieu of the annual parade that was canceled due to COVID-19 restrictions. Photo by Jean Perry.
Fairhaven TV Director Derek Frates said the Veterans Day video production would also include some recorded messages from Town Hall employees, and footage from the Veterans Luncheon To Go event planned for 11/10 at the COA.
Fairhaven Cable Access Channel 18 will air the finished production beginning 11/11 on Veterans Day. It will also be available on demand at www.fairhaventv.com and a link will be shared on the department’s Facebook page.
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