Veterans Day this year in Massachusetts will include a mix of in-person and virtual tributes amid the coronavirus pandemic — which has hit the veteran community very hard and increased their needs, local vets tell the Herald.
The pandemic has wreaked havoc on the veteran community: many disabled veterans are at high risk for severe COVID-19 complications, mental health has been a growing problem and unemployment is up.
“The pandemic has hit veterans hard,” said Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn, a Navy veteran. “Veterans have always been there for our country. It’s important that our country is there for them during these difficult times.”
Flynn plans on heading to a couple Veterans Day events on Wednesday, including at the Puerto Rican Monument in the South End and the Fitzgerald Post memorial service in South Boston.
Dave Falvey, commander of the South Boston Allied War Veterans Council, as usual plans on attending the Southie ceremony to recognize veterans, but there won’t be a buffet this year.
The members of VFW Post 561 this year “haven’t had the same connection we’ve had in the past,” he said.
Falvey added about the pandemic, “Veterans’ needs have been exacerbated, including medical care. The community has been hit hard like other communities.”
Boston Mayor Marty Walsh on Wednesday plans on attending the Thomas Redgate Hero Square dedication in Brighton, along with the Home Base Veterans Day Televent.
Walsh in a statement noted the significant challenges from the pandemic.
“But I want to be clear: our commitment to supporting our veterans has never wavered,” Walsh said. “We are always here for you.
“Please reach out to the city if you need help,” he added. “We can connect you to the resources that you need and deserve.”
Food access has been a major concern for military families. There have been food drives to help vets, and groups like Massachusetts Fallen Heroes have helped provide meals to thousands of families during the pandemic.
“The community has been stepping up to support us, and we’re trying to help out as many people as we can,” said Dan Magoon of Massachusetts Fallen Heroes.
Gov. Charlie Baker on Wednesday will join Department of Veterans’ Services Secretary Cheryl Lussier Poppe, veterans, active military, clergy and musical performers to celebrate Veterans Day in a virtual celebration.
The event at 10 a.m. will be streamed on the Facebook pages for the Department of Veterans’ Services, the Soldiers’ Home in Holyoke, and the Soldiers’ Home in Chelsea — state-run facilities that have been devastated by the pandemic.
Baker said in a statement, “Let us not forget that because of the brave men and women who wore the uniform, we can live the lives we do in a safe and free country.”
The Link LonkNovember 11, 2020 at 07:30AM
https://www.bostonherald.com/2020/11/10/veterans-day-amid-coronavirus-the-pandemic-has-hit-veterans-hard-in-massachusetts/
Veterans Day amid coronavirus: ‘The pandemic has hit veterans hard’ in Massachusetts - Boston Herald
https://news.google.com/search?q=hard&hl=en-US&gl=US&ceid=US:en
No comments:
Post a Comment