Ayer Shirley

AYER — Veterans Day commemorates the date and time when an agreement among nations at war officially halted “hostilities,” and the first world war ended. WWI lasted from 1914 to 1918, with devastating losses; according to conservative estimates 10 million people were killed and 20 million were wounded.

Massachusetts National Guard Sgt. Chadwick Larter, the keynote speaker at the 25th annual Veterans Day Program at Ayer Shirley Regional High School this year, noted that WWI was said to have been “the war to end all wars.” But just over two decades later, the second world war unfortunately began, lasting from 1939 to 1945.

Some of the veterans seated in the front row of the high school auditorium on Monday had served in WWII, including 99-year old Athanace “Joe” Landry, of Shirley, who fought in the Battle of the Bulge.

Although there have been no more global conflicts since “the greatest generation” helped win WWII, wars have been waged in nations large and small, all over the world. Some involving the U.S. Military.

“As history has shown us, our nation has since seen its share of conflicts…” said Sgt. Larter.

He underscored the significance of honoring America’s veterans and active service men and women for their willingness to serve, to protect and preserve the country’s freedom.

“[They are our] neighbors, friends, family and fellow citizens…who keep us all safe,” he said.

Sgt. Larter, who is a 2009 ASRHS graduate, was a member of the high school’s Leadership Education Program.

Co-sponsored by the school and the National Guard, the Leadership Education Program dates back to the former Ayer High School. It’s co-founder, Ayer Shirley High School teacher Steve Tulli, has been hosting the annual Veterans Day event for 25 years with the help of his leadership team.

This year’s events began early Monday morning, with a complimentary Veterans and students’ breakfast at Karyn’s Kitchen, in Ayer, after which the invited guests returned to the high school, where small groups of veterans shared their stories with presentations in selected classrooms.

The program concluded with the assembly in the auditorium. In addition to the speakers, and honored guests, participants included the Leominster Veterans Choir, directed by Fran Cooley, and the Ayer Shirley Marching Band, conducted by Michael Powderly.

Spotlighted center stage, a small cloth-covered table with flowers was a tribute to the 17 veterans who had participated in the annual event since 1999 and who have passed away.

Among those who spoke during the program were ASRHS Student Council President Annika Farley, and 2024 Class President Alaina Granberg; Leadership Program co-presidents Vanessa Abbott and Isabelle Pepin and members Elizabeth Kane, and instructor Sergeant First Class John Sargent of the Massachusetts National Guard.

ASRSD Superintendent Adam Renda was another speaker at the event.

“Veterans Day is a powerful reminder of those who served and of their courage,” Renda said. “It is imperative that we remember and honor them. It also offers inspiration to pay tribute to their boundless bravery. We can all strive to make a positive impact in a society that honors inclusivity and stand up for what’s right.”

ASRHS students Nia Fleurancois, Angela Meas and Rihana Spann gave brief comments that highlighted the history of Veterans Day and its personal meaning to those whose family members have served in the military in the past or are serving now.

Spann offered a moving take on the poem “In Flanders Field” by John McCrea.

The poem is a lasting tribute to those who died in battle and a reminder of their sacrifice. Spann said it also explains the significance of the red poppy sales that have become an annual tradition as well as a successful fundraiser for veterans organizations.

Elizabeth Kane spoke of the benefits offered by the leadership program she joined as a freshman. “It was one of the best choices” of her student career, she said. She also emphasized the importance of honoring veterans and hearing their stories. “Every one of them is different…” she said. “This assembly is only a fraction of what they deserve.”

Page Hilltop fifth-grader John King took the podium with his dad, John King, Sr., an Army veteran. The younger John King spoke of his father’s  commitment, how he signed on to “serve our country” and of how proud he is of him.

Christie read off the veteran’s roll call,  naming those at the event and noting the larger U.S. military community they are part of. “Nineteen million men and women who have served…” and who, as President Joe Biden recently noted, “represent the best of our country.”