Chelsea Soldiers’ Home Holds Annual Veterans Day Celebration

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CHELSEA — The Chelsea Soldiers’ Home held its annual Veterans Day celebration on Thursday, November 6, 2008 at the Martin Auditorium in the Headquarters Building of the facility. The program began at 10:30 a.m. and this year’s keynote speaker was Massachusetts State Representative Anthony Verga who currently serves as the House Chair of the Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs.

The celebration is traditionally well-attended by the veterans living at the Soldiers’ Home. Also in attendance were state and local elected officials, neighboring area veterans groups, Soldiers’ Home employees and volunteers and members of the community. As always, the Chelsea High School Band participated in the program playing an assortment of patriotic songs and medleys. A new surprise was added when Chelsea High’s Choral Group, “Cantare,” decided to perform at this year’s program. The program also included brief remarks from Congressman Mike Capuano, Chair of the Home’s Board of Trustees James Conway, Chelsea Soldiers’ Home Commandant Michael Resca, and local dignitaries.

“Naturally, Veterans Day is a huge event at the Soldiers’ Home. Working with the Board of Trustees, we try to make this a truly special day,” Commandant Resca said. “This celebration allows us to honor the contributions of all veterans and to remember those who gave their life for our freedom. The vets here love the event, especially the music of the Chelsea High Band.”

Following the ceremony, the dietary staff at the Soldiers’ Home served a special holiday meal to all the veterans and attending guests.

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