Michael Puzo Welcomes Veterans to Hingham’s Observance of Veterans Day

"We gather here today, as we do each year, to pay tribute to those who have given of themselves by serving in our nation's armed forces. At a time when so many civic traditions have fallen by the wayside, this is a tradition that we in Hingham are right to keep. In doing so, we recognize and we honor the sacrifice made by the few for the good of the many.

We acknowledge that - in this room ‒ in this small New England town, there are today ‒ as there have been generation after generation ‒ men and women who have given of themselves in extraordinary ways. We recognize that the veteran’s sacrifice is one shared by the veteran's spouse, children, and family. So ‒ in thanking those who have served ‒ we pay tribute, as well, to their families, who have kept the home fires burning during their loved one’s time of service.

Service to our community is a hallmark of Hingham’s character. While many of us give this service locally, those of our fellow citizens who have served the nation in our country’s armed forces have given of themselves in quite a different way and at quite a different cost.

Whether in peacetime or amidst conflict and war, the veteran has played a role that increasingly few of us have undertaken. Each has exhibited a devotion to duty, honor and country. Each has set an example for all of us to emulate. Each is due our praise, our admiration and our gratitude. Each is deserving of our continuing support and advocacy to ensure that the needs of the veteran are met on a local, state and national level. This is the least that we can do for those who have done so much for us."