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Fitchburg Veterans Council

Dog tag flag honors Global War on Terror veterans in Fitchburg

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FITCHBURG — The Veterans & Athletes United Global War on Terror Memorial Flag, which honors all of those who have fallen serving our country since 9/11, was shining bright in Monument Park this past Veterans Day.

The flag is made of over 7,000 dog tags — one for each individual who has made the ultimate sacrifice in the GWOT — and 50 gold stars honoring Gold Star families nationwide.

“Built and funded by veterans, this flag has travelled to over 50 locations nationwide since Memorial Day 2018,” said Johnny Day, a volunteer and travel coordinator for the Veterans and Athletes United organization.

The Veterans & Athletes United is an all-volunteer nonprofit founded and run by veterans for veterans and their families.

Pictured is the Bronze War Memorial Battle Cross, brought to Fitchburg by Veterans & Athletics United, is an iconic symbol of sacrifice, honor and respect for those who have given all. The cross is a time honored military memorial that symbolizes the honor, service and sacrifice of soldiers killed in battle. (CHERYL A. CUDDAHY/SENTINEL & ENTERPRISE)
Pictured is the Bronze War Memorial Battle Cross, brought to Fitchburg by Veterans & Athletics United, is an iconic symbol of sacrifice, honor and respect for those who have given all. The cross is a time honored military memorial that symbolizes the honor, service and sacrifice of soldiers killed in battle. (CHERYL A. CUDDAHY/SENTINEL & ENTERPRISE)

Its mission is to empower wounded, injured, and ill veterans to fully live their lives and honor our fallen heroes.

Through their internal programs and a series of service partnerships, VAU provides life-changing opportunities, challenging veterans to achieve goals beyond their disabilities.

“When I first say the flag, it meant so much to me,” said Bill Saladini, president of the Fitchburg Veterans Council. “It is the first time I have seen it in person, and it is just the perfect way to give thanks to men and women who have served our country.

Saladini says it touched him to see the last 13 names of the young men and women who lost their lives in the Afghanistan withdrawal.

John 15:13, which is displayed on the Bronze War Memorial Battle Cross states “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”

“We all have our little quirks to remind us of things in our lives,” he said. “Just like Carol Burnett tugged on her ear at the end of every Carol Burnett show, I touch my earring to remind me of my brothers who I left in Vietnam. When I see flags and statutes like the one in Fitchburg, it is such a reminder for us all to give thanks to those who sacrificed their lives for our country.”

All proceeds from the flag’s travel go to support Gold Star family organizations and the GWOT Memorial Foundation’s mission to build a national memorial in Washington, D.C.

For more information on Veterans & Athletes United, and how you can donate, visit VetsAU.com. For more information on the flag, and the names honored, visit VetsAU.com/memorial.

Fanway Park Wiffle Ball recognized for contribution to Fitchburg Veterans Council

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FITCHBURG — Fanway Park Wiffle Ball was recently recognized by two local leaders for their efforts donating $2,250 to the Fitchburg Veterans Council.

That recognition took place on Wednesday, Sept. 21 as state Rep. Michael Kushmerek and Fitchburg Veterans Commissioner Michelle Marino presented a citation from the state House of Representatives.

Created in the backyard of Todd Saladini in 2009, Fanway Park is a replica of the Major League Baseball’s oldest ballpark, complete with a green monster and hosts a wiffle ball team.

From the very beginning Fanway Park has had philanthropic origins. It was initially created to raise money for James Darling, a five-year-old boy with Leukemia.

The team has continued their fundraisers, including raising money for the Why Me House in Worcester, where families with children who have cancer can live rent free while they live near the hospitals to receive their treatment.

As the team prepared for their next fundraiser, Todd Saladini knew exactly which organization they would donate to — the Fitchburg Veterans Council.

Bill Saladini, the current president of the Fitchburg Veterans Council, who is Todd’s father, knows exactly how much of a difference donations make in the lives of local veterans.

“With the upcoming winter season, a lot of veterans may experience a tough time,” Bill Saladini said. “I’m grateful for the work of Fanway Park, and their donation will be incredibly helpful for the veterans of Fitchburg.”

As he presented a citation from the commonwealth, the Kushmerek thanked the Fanway Park Wiffle Ball team for their efforts.

“The team at Fanway Park consistently goes above and beyond to give back to their community,” Kushmerek said. “I’m thankful that there are organizations in Fitchburg who recognize the importance of the Veterans Council and are willing to assist them.”

Todd Saladini agrees.

“I had seen the work that my father has done, and I knew it was a good cause,” Todd Saladini said. “I know 100% of the money will be going to veterans in need.”

The Fitchburg Veteran Council supports local veterans all-year round through fundraising and donations to any veteran in need. For more information on the Fitchburg Veteran Council, or ways to donate, call Michelle Marino at 978-829-1797.