LETTER: Framingham Veterans Services Officer Thanks Those Who Helped With Veterans Day 2022

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FRAMINGHAM – The English novelist, George Eliot once penned, “What do we live for, if it is not to make life less difficult for each other”.

Hence, in this season of Thanksgiving, I wish to thank the following who made Veterans Day 2022 a success by working together, making time in planning the Day“less difficult”.

The entire City came through, helping one another, to support our Veterans and Gold Star families. The Program was a teambeffort and could not have been done without any of you.

Veterans Council – for your support and for “always having my back”. Special thanks to Eric Finn, Nick Paganella, Bill Blumsack and Mike Cannon.

Honorable Mayors Office – to Mayor Sisitsky and his team who came to my aide and never flinchedbwhen I had a request. Thank you for your team’s unwavering support.

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Facilities Management – specifically Sandra Hughey, for your tireless research and for keeping me onnpoint. Thank you as well to Brendon Wilkinson, Kenny Green and Jim Paolini for a memorable staging of Nevins Hall.

Humans Resources Department – especially Susan Embree for your help pulling together the final program as well all last-minute details. My heartfelt thanks.

Ron Rego, Director, Government Channel – for filming, editing and telling the story of the event for the residents of Framingham.

Framingham Police Chief Lester Baker and Deputy Chief Sean Riley – thank you for your unwavering support and collaboration.

Framingham Police Department Honor Guard – Special thanks to Matt Mangano for directing the Police Honor Guard. I never tire of the magnitude of the symbolism; presenting a most dignified presence at the ceremony. The audience was awe-struck with each member of the Honor Guard’s precision, reverence and respect. Thank you again to each Member of the Honor Guard for honoring our Gold Star families.

Dennis Giombetti, District Liaison, Office of Senate President Karen Spilka – thank you for representing Senate President Karen Spilka. You have a beautiful way of connecting with each Gold Star family on a personal level while at the same time developing a strong rapport with each recipient. Thank you for your genuine care in presenting each Medal of Liberty with such honor and esteem.

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Brian A. Gellerstein, Director of Fine and Performing Arts, Framingham.k12 – thank you and the school for being so supportive in our quest for finding a vocalist. I hope there are many more collaborations.

Gray Almeida, Vocalist, Framingham High School – for agreeing to sing a beautiful rendition of our National Anthem. Your singing brought the audience to tears.

Framingham Fire Chief Michael Dutcher – for being a formidable resource when I reached out to you. My humble and grateful thanks. Ryan Sullivan, Deputy Chief, Fire Department and Lt. Commander, Coast Guard – thank you for being our Guest Speaker. Your speech was very moving and had the audience asking themselves what they in turn can do for their neighbor, just as you have done your whole life. Could not have asked for a anyone better. Sincere thanks.

Jennifer DeFronzo, Exec. Director, Development & Alumni Relations, F.S.U. – for sharing the WWII Art of the South Pacific, the Edward Brodney Collection. This collection brought another level of artistry documenting the daily life of our WWII soldiers. I hope the families of Framingham visit this important collection.

Noval Alexander, District 5 City Councilor – for stepping in to help memorialize our passed Veterans.

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Framingham Girl Scouts Service Unit 361 and Boy Scouts 21 – thank you for reciting the Pledge of Allegiance with such inspiring respect.

U.S. Army Sgt. Brian Prue – for playing a memorable Taps at the conclusion of our Veterans Day Ceremony. Elaine Prue – for always being there to lend a helping hand.

Charles Rousseau – your tireless and steadfast dedication to our Veterans is unforgettable. Thank you for the music and managing the presentation. Couldn’t have done it without you.

Chaplain Robert Anspach – for your spiritual guidance – nurturing the living, caring for the wounded, honoring the fallen and tending to our souls.

City of Framingham’s Veterans Services Officer Kathleen Lang