World War II veteran Robert S. Comeau, 96, holds a citation he received from Acushnet Selectboard members on 9/26/23, L-R: Board members Robert Hinckley and Robert Gaspar, Mr. Comeau, Board member David Wojnar. Photo courtesy of the Acushnet Selectboard office.
By Jared Melanson, Neighb News Correspondent
At its meeting on Tuesday, 9/26/23, the Acushnet Selectboard honored WWII veteran Robert S. Comeau, 96, in recognition of his civic service and lifelong achievements to the community.
Surrounded by family, friends and neighbors, Mr. Comeau stood as board members read a citation and commented on his service.
Selectboard chairperson Kevin Gaspar said that Mr. Comeau served in the US Army from 1945 to 1947 and was stationed in Frankfurt, Germany.
“Where at the time that was considered the center of turmoil,” said Mr. Gaspar.
He also noted that Mr. Comeau had just celebrated his 96th birthday and completed the New England Honor flight to Washington, D.C. to pay respect to soldiers who served, and flew back in one day.
After serving overseas, he settled in Acushnet, and served on the Acushnet Elementary School Building Committee.
The “monumental project” was completed in 1972, Mr. Gaspar told the crowd.
“Mr. Comeau, it is an absolute honor to be in your presence tonight,” said Mr. Gaspar.
Selectboard member David Wojnar read from the citation, but started out by saying it was a “real honor” for him because he grew up on the same street as Mr. Comeau.
While presenting the citation, Mr. Wojnar recounted his memories growing up in the same neighborhood.
“As I understand it, you were a mason,” Mr. Wojnar said. “And had the absolute, most beautiful house on Ludlow Street.”
He said Mr. Comeau’s house always stood out and people could see the precision and amount of work and attention to detail.
World War II veteran Robert S. Comeau, 96, stands among family, friends and neighbors as he listens to a citation recognizing his service to the town of Acushnet at the Selectboard meeting on 9/26/23. Screenshot photo from the Town of Acushnet YouTube channel.
“It’s an honor to be in your presence tonight,” said Mr. Wojnar, adding he remembers stories of Mr. Comeau and other town residents talking about their involvement in the elementary school building project.
Mr. Wojnar read from the citation: “Be it here known that the Acushnet Board of Selectmen hereby extends its sincerest appreciation to Robert S. Comeau, Second World War Army veteran.
“The Board of Selectmen acknowledges his civic engagement and the example he has consistently modeled to all our citizens by championing a better world for this country and his community.
“Furthermore, our congratulations extend to completing the New England Honor Flight.
“Our appreciation extends to the contributions that you made by serving on the Acushnet Elementary School Building Committee.
He added: “Mr. Gaspar, Mr. Hinckley, and myself thank you, Mr. Comeau.”
Mr. Comeau did not speak to the crowd, but did share a word or two with each board member. Then they posed for photos with the citation.
“How cool is that, how often do we get to do that?”said Mr. Gaspar.
You can see the meeting on the town’s YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fXTOfs_514A
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