Wakefield-Marenisco honors veterans

By CHARITY SMITH

csmith@yourdailyglobe.com

Wakefield - Joy and pride could be seen from every corner of the Wakefield-Marenisco School gym on Thursday as students honored local veterans with a Veterans Day assembly.

"On this day - Veterans Day - we are remembering the service of veterans of all wars. We remember all men and women who decided to serve the nation's cause, defending our freedom," said Wakefield VFW Post 9084 commander Russ Korpi, in his address.

The ceremony began with the advance of colors by VFW members under the direction of Richard Bolen, master of ceremonies. The pledge of allegiance was recited by all, followed by the playing of of the national anthem by the high school band.

Local VFW members introduced themselves. Wearing uniforms, they each stated there branch of service, where they served and for how long.

Korpi told the audience of the "solid foundations on which this great nation was built." He said the nation was built on the blood, sweat, purpose, tolerance, bravery and discipline of its people on a quest for world peace, which continues today.

"Military service is by nature temporary," Korpi said. "But the legacy of the service corps can be benefited from through generations and centuries. ... The freedom that you enjoy today was won through the service and sacrifice of military veterans in the U.S. This is the legacy of those who have worn a uniform for the United States."

Korpi told of then 1st Lt. Ralph Puckett Jr., a commander in the Army in 1950, who was seriously wounded in the Korean War and continued to fight in order to capture the objective. He said Puckett asked his men to leave him on the field and go to safety, but the men took him with them anyway. Puckett survived the war, served until 1971 and retired as a colonel. President Joe Biden awarded Puckett the Presidential Medal of Honor in May for his bravery during the war.

"His military career was temporary, compared to his legacy that still continues in Korea," said Korpi. "Through the sacrifice of veterans, like Puckett, freedom, and democracy continues in Korea."

Korpi then spoke of what the VFW does for veterans. It reminds them that they matter. That their service mattered. "Most importantly we offer friendship and assistance," he said.

He then suggested ways that people can support veterans. He suggested hiring a veteran full-time for odd jobs, or donating to organizations that support veterans.

"You can also just simply thank them for their service," Korpi said.

"If you can take one thing from this day, just remember that freedom is not free," Bolen said in follow up to Korpi's address.

The band played "God Bless the U.S.A." and "A Tribute to the Armed Forces." The tribute included the anthems for the Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard. As the band played, each branch's song, veterans stood at attention to be recognized for their service.

A benediction was then given by Wakefield American Legion Post 11 Chaplain Mike Salli. This was followed by "Taps" played by Catherine Baker, a senior at WMS. A firing squad performed a 21-gun salute outside on the steps of the gymnasium to honor fallen veterans and conclude the ceremony.