Insignias of the various branches of the military hang on the rededicated Wall of Honor at the Fairhaven Senior Center at the annual Veterans Luncheon on 11/12/24, and include the five traditional branches of the military and the new “Space Force” created in 2019, the first new branch of the military to be created in 73 years, clockwise starting at top: Army, Space Force, Air Force, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Navy, with the Department of Defense insignia in the middle. Photo by Beth David.
By Beth David, Editor
The Fairhaven Council on Aging/ Senior Center held a rededication ceremony to celebrate the refurbishing of the veterans Wall of Honor at its annual Veterans Luncheon on 11/12/24. The wall, which is actually on two walls, now, and will continue to grow, displays the photos of local veterans from the different branches of the military.
The 143 photos have been re-framed, the wall was repainted, and an interior designer measured, and plotted to come up with the best design to put the photos back up on the wall.
The room was full on both sides at lunch time for a short ceremony that included a moment of silence for deceased veterans, the National Anthem, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a little bit of speechmaking.
Fairhaven Veterans Services Officer, Mike Jenney, told the crowd he was proud to not only celebrate but to “profoundly thank every man and woman who has worn the uniform of the United States Armed Forces.”
“Their dedication to duty, their courage in the face of adversity, and their willingness to put their lives on the line for our nation is a testament to the true meaning of sacrifice,” said Mr. Jenny. “We remember the fallen, whose bravery lives on in our hearts, and we pledge to continue supporting our veterans as they return to our communities, carrying the legacy of service with them.”
COA Director, Martha Reed told the crowd that the room stands as a place of “remembrance, reflection, and respect, a space where our community can connect with the legacy of these Fairhaven veterans who have defended our freedoms and continue to inspire us every day.”
She said the refurbishment of the room was “no small feat,” and was a true team effort, that involved reframing the photos, creating a new layout on the wall for the photos, hanging them up, painting and making sure all the insignias and wording were correct.
“As we share this meal together, let us carry forward the spirit of unity and gratitude, honoring our veterans in word, action, and tradition,” said Ms. Reed, adding a thank-you to Alltrust and their volunteers for serving the meal. “Let us continue to show our appreciation, not just today, but every day.”
Fairhaven Select Board Vice Chairperson Charlie Murphy also spoke, calling it an “incredible wall.”
He thanked the veterans and he was grateful to the people there.
“We are lucky to have you here,” said Mr. Murphy, adding that he loved listening to his father’s stories about his military service on a mine sweeper. “Veterans keep us free. Veterans keep us strong.”
David Darmofal, a member of Alltrust Credit Union’s Board of Directors, which sponsors the annual Veterans Luncheon, told the crowd that years ago, he asked the credit union to sponsor the luncheon and they agreed unanimously.
He said it was on his “bucket list” to go to the luncheon and thank everybody, noting his father, who fought in WWII in the pacific theater in the Navy, was on the all. His grandfather fought in WWI in France.
“I want to thank everybody here for everything you’ve done to allow me stand up here, and for my family and all at the credit union, to enjoy this wonderful life in this wonderful country,” said Mr. Darmofal.
Margie McNally of Interior Elements created the layout for the new wall. She said it was a different kind of project for her.
“It was fun to do,” she said.
Veteran Anthime Brunette said he appreciated the wall, and his photo is there.
“It feels good,” said Mr. Brunette, who noted he has two grandsons in the service now. “There are a lot of nice pictures up there.
Navy Veteran Albert Jenney, who is VSO Jenney’s uncle, said it was “beautiful” to see so many people at the luncheon, and the wall is really “something else.”
He served in the Navy Amphibious Forces, from 1951–1955, and was deployed for two years.
He quickly switched to bragging about his brother, who is a veteran, but also a Fairhaven High School Hall of Famer who was on the football team that beat New Bedford two years in a row.
Apparently, that is more impressive than being in the Navy’s amphibious forces.
In addition to the photos, a display of a service rifle, helmet, boots, and American flag are also on display for a limited time, on loan from Jim Martin.
The event is available on demand on FairhavenTV.com Community Media page. See “Fairhaven’s 2024 Veterans Day Parade and Events” https://www.fairhaventv.com/single-post/fairhaven-s-2024-veterans-day-parade-events
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- Some of the 143 photos of local veterans on the Wall of Honor at the Fairhaven Senior Center at the annual Veterans Luncheon on 11/12/24, when the wall was rededicated after being refurbished. Photo by Beth David.
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