Williams, Kane Honor Watertown-Area World War II Veterans

WATERTOWN—More than 60 World War II veterans were at Swift Middle School today to receive special citations honoring their service to our country. Roughly 200 people, including friends and family of the veterans, packed into the auditorium for the ceremony organized by Watertown Town Clerk Lisa Dalton and the Secretary of the State’s office. Local fire and police officers joined Watertown-area veterans and Boy Scout Troops 52 and 140 in kicking off the event with a wonderful flag presentation, followed by rousing patriotic tunes performed by members of the Governor’s Foot Guard. Swift eighth-grader Amanda Orsillo read a nationally-recognized poem inspired by her grandfather, who was among those honored later in the program.

State Rep. Sean Williams, of Oakville, credited Dalton for her hard work finding local veterans to participate. He also talked about the good work of the local Veterans of Foreign Wars post—the largest in New England. What’s more, Williams explained the long-term effects of their wartime efforts.

“That’s because of you,” Williams said about the legislature’s ability to write laws. “It’s because you paved the way for us to be able to do that. We should be reminding ourselves of that every day.”

Sen. Rob Kane also paid credit to this country’s World War II veterans.

“It was a different life, there was certainly more sacrifice and more selflessness than what we see here today in 2010,” Kane said. “This truly is the Greatest Generation and I thank you.”

Secretary Susan Bysiewicz shared a veteran-related story from her family, as did Watertown council Chairman Ray Primini. Veterans in the room followed them by telling their own stories.