Veteran’s Day, 2026

As Chair of our town’s Select Board, I will be giving remarks today on our town common after the Veteran’s Day parade. I thought you might like to read what I will be saying:

Good morning and greetings from the Select Board!

On behalf of Katherine, Peter, and I, I want to tell you what an honor it is to stand here on our town common, alongside our neighbors, and recognize the men and women who have served our country.

To the veterans here today: thank you. Thank you for your service, for the responsibilities you accepted, and for the time you spent away from the people and places you love.

Every veteran has a different story. Some served during war, others during peace. Some traveled far from home, while others served closer by. Each took an oath and made a commitment whose demands they could not fully know in advance. That willingness to serve deserves our respect and our gratitude.

We also recognize your families, who shared in the uncertainty, carried extra responsibilities at home, and waited for your safe return.

One of the meaningful things about a gathering like this is that it makes our gratitude visible. We pause our routines. We come out for the parade. We bring our children and grandchildren, and we help them understand why this day matters.

But our responsibility continues after the ceremony ends. We can listen to veterans’ stories, respect those who choose not to tell them, and support them when they need help. We can make sure they feel valued and connected to the community they call home.