Rain does not stop Acushnet from honoring veterans

By Beth David, Editor

Acushnet held a parade on 11/8/25 braving the rain to honor veterans for Veterans Day. Local veterans and civic groups, and the State Police Mounted Unit marched along Main Street from Town Hall to the Veterans Memorial Park.

The Ford Middle School led the crowd in song and the Pledge of Allegiance. Bruce Webb played the bagpipes. And the ceremony included an invocation and readings. Acushnet Veterans Service Officer, Brad Fish, emceed.

David Pinto of the Disabled American Veterans in New Bedford, was guest speaker. 

He told a story about being in Korea at the same time his brother was there, but never being able to see him. He just missed him.

All three Pinto brothers served at the same time. When David’s father sent a letter saying he wanted to get David out, David called him up and said “no way.” He said all three brothers served. 

Veterans day is a time to “reflect remember, and honor all veterans,” he told the crowd, past, present and those yet to come.

Wars that never should have happened have caused thousands of lost lives and scarred so many who live with memories all the time, he said. Their wars never end, their peace never comes. 

Veterans Day is not just a day off work or school, it’s a day to give thanks for our freedom.

“For those who chose not to serve their country, thank the veterans who have given you your freedom,” he said, adding in memory of his brothers, James Pinto and Robert Pinto, U.S. Army and Marines. 

Selectboard chairperson, David Wojnar, said they looked at the forecast and it said maybe rain.

“No, it’s Acushnet,” he said. “We’ll be out here in the rain. And what do you know, we have more people out here than I’ve seen on a beautiful day.”

He thanked people for being there and especially thanked veterans.

“Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all you do,” he said.

Deven Robitaille, Commander of the VFW in Acushnet, said all veterans served. They served differently, but “we all served.”

“Veterans gave their all, so it’s our duty to give our best,” said Cdr. Robitaille, to make our country and society a place that people look upon as an example.

“Go out there and make the world a better place,” she said. “Because they gave us their all, so, again, we have to give them our best.”

She invited the crowd to the VFW for refreshments.

She also gave a shout out to her brother, who was there, and had just been promoted to Lt. Colonel.

Kaleigh was there with her two young’uns still in a stroller. She said they were there to see her husband who was riding on one of the horses in the State Police Mounted Unit.

“We love and support our veterans, said Kaleigh, adding it’s a great family affair.

She even had her two neighbors, Pat and Rita Ansay, join her. 

“I was nice of our neighbor to invite us,” said Pat. “And I get to see Tyler ride a horse.”

She said her father as a WWII veteran and they used to go to every parade. 

Mr. Fish read the governor’s proclamation, and Mike Jenney read the Veterans Day Celebration Poem by Felicia Young. 

 

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Click here to download the 11/13/25 issue: 11-13-25 VetsDay

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