VFW, American Legion help Laconia mark Veterans Day

Over 50 people attended a ceremony for Veterans Day at Veterans Square in Laconia Monday morning. Remarks started with a benediction from American Legion Post 1 Chaplain Frank Mellow, then the national anthem. It was followed up by a line of speakers, including VFW representative and Master Sgt. Dan O'Connor, Master Sgt. Eric Marsh, VFW Commander Alain Tinker, VFW Auxiliary and District 4 President Valerie Johnston, Mayor Andrew Hosmer accompanied by Councilors Mark Haynes (Ward 4) and Tony Felch (Ward 6), American Legion Post 1 Auxiliary President Shirley Brummer and American Legion Post 1 Commander Doug Morrison. Some in attendance, including Hosmer and Felch, wore red poppy flower pins, symbolizing blood shed by those who fought and continue to fight for the United States. Lt. Col. John McCrae, a Canadian who served as a brigade surgeon for an Allied artillery unit, wrote a poem after noticing poppies grow in battlefields. After the ceremony, the public was invited to Post 1 for lunch, where they served sandwiches, soup, sides and desserts. Hosmer spoke about unity in his remarks. "Let us remember that the strength of a nation lies not in its weapons or its wealth, but in the unity of its people. Here in Laconia, let us continue to be a community that reflects this strength and finds its inspiration in those who served," he said. "May we honor their legacy by striving for unity as a source of peace, resilience in America worthy of their, of your, sacrifice."