Acushnet holds veterans ceremony

By Beth David, Editor

The parade got canceled because of the rain, but that did not stop Acushnet from honoring veterans on Saturday, 11/7/26. The group just moved to the American Legion Hall for some patriotic songs by the Ford Middle School Chorus, some speech­making, and some breakfast by High Seas restaurant.

Acushnet Veterans Services Officer, Brad Fish, emceed the event, starting out by saying they had to cancel the parade.

Speakers included newly minted representative-elect from the 8th Bristol district and Acushnet resi­dent, Jesse St. Gelais; outgoing Rep. Steven Ouellette; Rep from the 10th Bristol, Mark Sylvia; Acushnet Selectboard chairperson, Kevin Gaspar; Cmdr. of the VFW, Deven Robitaille; 2023 Veteran of the Year, Bill Comeau; well known veteran, August “Gus” Cote; and the reading of a Veterans Day Poem by Mike Jenney, Cmdr. of the American Legion; and a reading of the Governor’s proclama­tion by Mr. Fish.

Acushnet Elementary School students left colorful notes of thanks to veterans that decorated the tables. Some veterans took them home.

Guest Speaker, Bill Comeau, brought his friend Rick Janson to the front of the room with him. The went into the service on the same day. When they came back they stayed apart, he said, because they reminded each other of things they did not want to remember.

He said they were motivated to join the service because of their family members who had served, and a sense of duty.’

Mr. Comeau said they both served in Vietnam and Rick got two purple hearts protecting Mr. Comeau.

“Thank you, Rick,” he said. 

Mr. Comeau said he felt he was not really a veteran until he was older and joined veterans groups out of a duty to help other veterans.

He also said that when he was in the service, his mother and other people sent cookies and other stuff. He encouraged people to continue to do that.

“I want to thank all the people who sent that stuff because they enjoyed it and we enjoyed it,” he said. 

He also said it was hard for his mother and others who are left at home. 

He was just happy to be home, he said.

“I survived,” said Mr. Comeau. “And it was pretty tough.”

He said when someone signs up, they know they might lose their life, but the do it out of a sense of duty.

August “Gus” Cote, 93, a Korean War Veteran, delivered the invocation, praying for those who served and laid down their lives “to protect and defend our great freedom,” asking that we remember their sacrifices.

“We pray for those who bear the scars of their service. asking for healing for them in mind, body, and spirit,” said Mr. Cote, and for those in harm’s way to come home safely.

He also mentioned those who “govern,” adding, “and there are a lot of them here today,” with a chuckle.

“Asking that you turn their hearts and minds to the work of establishing a peace born of a justice and equality,” said Mr. Cote. 

He then turned his attention to those who get caught up in conflicts around he world.

“…civilians and peacekeepers and the poor who have no escape. Asking that we have the courage to defend the defenseless, make room for those who flee for safety, and look to that day when we will train for war no more.”

Cmdr. Robitaille said, “It kind of stinks we didn’t get to have a parade. I love marching in the parade.”

She said veterans are humble and often take the spotlight off them­selves, but it is our day, she said. So go out and celebrate your service.

“I call it my Christmas,” she said, adding it took a while to get there.’.

Mr. Jenney reminded everyone that both the Legion and the VFW are open to the public. He urged everyone to visit the establishments to show support for the organizations and the veterans they serve. 

Mr. Gaspar thanked veterans for their courage and sacrifice and everything they’ve done for the country and the country.

“We are proud to honor you today, and we are grateful for your service every day,” he said. 

Mr. St. Gelais told the crowd that the freedoms we sometimes take for granted came at tremendous cost. Veterans left everything they knew for something greater than themselves.

“I consider it a tremendous honor and responsibility to serve a commu­nity that is home to so many extra­ordinary veterans,” said Mr. St. Gelais. “And I believe that honoring our veterans means more than just thanking them one day a year. It means standing beside them, listening to them, and making sure we’re there for them when they need us. You answered the call to serve us. Now it’s our responsibility to serve you.”

Rep. Sylvia noted the importance of the role of Veterans Services Officer, and thanked Mr. Fish and also Mr. Jenney, who is the VSO in Fairhaven.

“Today is an important day to honor the service and sacrifice of all our veterans and recognize that our freedom is a result of that commitment and sacrifice,” said Mr. Sylvia.

He said he grew up in the 70s and it was veterans in all walks of life who mentored him, raised children, and taught him the importance of patriotism and government and liberty.

Mr. Ouellette said he felt it was important to support veterans and reminded everyone to call 988, and press 1 if you are a veteran. 

To Vietnam Veterans, he said he hopes they realize the efforts that go into making up for the “less than grateful” response the got when they got home.

“I really appreciate you, and I’m just glad I could be here to celebrate with you,” he said.

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Click here to download the 11/12/26 issue: 11-12-26 AcushVets

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