Veterans Recognized in West Roxbury

A large group of over 50 residents packed the Deutsches Altenheim German Centre on Monday morning to celebrate Veterans Day.

A Wall of Honor highlighting military photos was unveiled at the extended care center after servicemen including State Senator Mike Rush, Paul Fitzgerald, Superintendent of the Boston Police Department Bureau of Intelligence and Francisco Urena , the Commissioner of Veterans Affairs spoke about the importance of Veterans in the community.

"It is time to honor not just  those who have fought for us in battle, in fact all of those outstanding men and women who have served our nation's armed forces since the founding of our nation over 237 years ago," Urena said.   "We must remember that even thought not all veterans have seen war, they have all shared a common bond in their oath in which they expressed their willingness to defend and die."

Lord Mayor Richie Gormley, commander of the VFW presented the Pledge of Allegiance while Emily McPherson, a musical therapist at the senior center, sang America the Beautiful.  The West Roxbury VFW Post 2902 was also on hand to present a gun salute.

Richard Laham, a West Roxbury veteran who was a spectator at the event,said he felt the need to attend because of the importance of Veterans Day.

Laham, served in the submarine unit of WWII, and said when he enlisted at age 17 years-old he didn't even know what he was getting himself into.  The lifelong West Roxbury resident said it was a decision he will never regret.

"People today look back at us as a very special group," Laham said. "I'm proud of that."

Corporal Eric Kelly, a young Marine and son of the German Centre's Residential Director, Carol Kelly, gave the most powerful speech at the memorial service.

"To me, everyday is Veterans Day," he said. "There's not a day that goes by or a daily event that passes without being reminded of my fallen brothers and the rest of the Marines that I have served with."