By J.D. O’Gara

Franklin’s 2024 Veterans Day Luncheon courtesy of the Franklin Elks Lodge #2136 once again saw a packed venue, with a welcome from Shannon Nisbett, Franklin’s VSO, posting of the colors by American Legion District Commander John Milot and Sergeant-at-Arms Dawn Anderson (who also made the Veterans Day proclamation), with the “National Anthem,” and later, “America the Beautiful” sung by Franklin High School Chorus members and the Pledge of Allegiance led by veteran Judy Hynes, USN. “Chaplain Bob” Markunis of American Legion Post 75 led the prayer.

Korean War Veteran Gerald Bradie, Jr. Vice Commander of VFW Post 3402 explained to attendees the meaning of the specially prepared POW-MIA table, giving statistics on just how many soldiers were left unaccounted for.

The Keynote speaker of the day was Veteran Patrick Doyle, USMC, who explained that veterans’ “service has been the foundation of our freedom. You put the good of the country and our freedom above the good and safety of yourselves…so future generations can enjoy the same privileges and freedoms that we have now.”

Doyle touched upon sacrifices of the veterans, including key years of their youth, and the heavy burden carried by many who have served. He shared a letter he wrote home in 1972 from his ship in Vietnam, and how, when he returned, few besides his parents understood or cared what he had experienced, and that finding local veterans’ organizations helped him find others who understood.

“The common denominator is we all served to defend freedom and democracy,” he said. He noted that the town of Franklin does stand by its veterans with American Legion Post 75 and VFW Post 3402, monthly veterans’ coffee socials, a monthly veterans council meeting, and a helpful Franklin Veterans Services Office and some of the programs it runs, such as Tune it Out Guitar and Warrior Within classes and the honoring of fallen heroes that takes place monthly on the Town Common. Residents, he said, can continue to honor veterans’ legacy by offering assistance and sometimes just an ear to veterans, and by supporting veterans’ organizations and others, such as the Franklin Elks and Knights of Columbus, that are committed to helping veterans. 

Following lunch, Debra Martin, Franklin’s Veterans’ Services Executive Assistant, offered updates and announcements, while Commander Dick Hynes and Commander Ernest Carruthers placed remembrance wreaths.

To contact Franklin’s Veterans Services Office, call (508) 613-1315