​Vietnam Veterans Memorial Replica Wall and Mobile Education Center spreads healing legacy of The Wall  and educates about the impact of the Vietnam War

Washington, D.C. – The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund (VVMF) has announced The Wall That Heals national tour schedule for 2021. The Wall That Heals exhibit includes a three-quarter scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial along with a mobile Education Center. The 26th season of The Wall That Heals will begin on April 8, 2021 in New Bern, North Carolina and visit 28 communities during the year. The traveling exhibit honors the more than three million Americans who served in the U.S. Armed Forces in the Vietnam War and it bears the names of the 58,279 men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in Vietnam.
“Like many events and activities in our nation, our 2020 The Wall That Heals season was dramatically changed by the pandemic.  We are excited to find these communities ready to work carefully to give a safe opportunity for thousands to experience the healing and educational aspects of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in 2021,” said Jim Knotts, president and CEO of VVMF. “We look forward to providing these communities with the opportunity to honor and remember all those who served and sacrificed in the Vietnam War and educate visitors on the continuing impact of the Vietnam War on America.”
Each year, VVMF receives more applications to host the exhibit than can be accommodated. For the 2021 tour schedule, preferential consideration was given to cancelled sites from the 2020 tour that reapplied for 2021. Some 2020 hosts elected to apply for a date in a future year.
The Wall That Heals 2021 Tour dates include:

Nahant, MA, July 15-18, 2020

The Wall That Heals is generously sponsored by USAA.  Through a partnership with the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA), the trucking industry, and Blue Beacon, the exhibit is able to travel across the country. Hosts in each community provide for the location, volunteers, and preparations necessary to replicate the experience a visitor would have at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C.VVMF will work closely with each community to make certain that community health and safety protocols are met.  Communities will have to permit gatherings of 250 or more people. Volunteers will be required to wear masks. Visitors will be encouraged to wear masks and practice social distancing to safeguard the staff, volunteers and other visitors.
“Nothing is more important to VVMF than the health and well-being of our Vietnam veterans and their families. We will work to provide the best visitor experience while keeping the safety of our staff, volunteers and visitors at top of mind,” said Knotts.
Since its debut in 1996, the exhibit has been on display in nearly 700 U.S. communities in addition to an April 1999 tour of the Four Provinces of Ireland and a visit to Canada in 2005. The Wall That Heals is a program of VVMF, the nonprofit organization that built the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. in 1982. The Wall That Heals is the only traveling exhibit affiliated with The Wall in Washington, D.C. and includes the largest Wall replica that travels the country. Two VVMF staff members lead volunteers on site, educate visitors and students, and ensure the reflective atmosphere of The Wall. More information can be found at: www.thewallthatheals.org.
About The Wall replica 
The three-quarter scale Wall replica is 375 feet in length and stands 7.5 feet high at its tallest point. With the replica at this size, visitors are able to experience The Wall rising above them as they walk towards the apex, a key feature of the design of The Wall in D.C.
Like the original Memorial, The Wall That Heals is erected in a chevron-shape and visitors are able to do name rubbings of individual service member’s names on The Wall. The names are listed in order of date of casualty and alphabetically on each day. Beginning at the center/apex, the names start on the East Wall (right-hand side) working their way out to the end of that wing, picking up again at the far end of the West Wall (left-hand side) and working their way back in to the center/apex. The first and last casualties are side by side at the apex of the Memorial.
The replica is constructed of Avonite, a synthetic granite, and its 144 individual panels are supported by an aluminum frame. Modern LED lighting from the top of The Wall provides readability of The Wall at night.
About the mobile Education Center
The Wall That Heals is transported from community to community in a 53-foot trailer.  When parked, the trailer opens with exhibits built into its sides, allowing it to serve as a mobile Education Center telling the story of the Vietnam War, The Wall and the divisive era in American history.
The mobile Education Center exhibit includes: digital photo displays of “Hometown Heroes” – service members whose names are on The Wall that list their home of record within the area of a visit; digital photo displays of Vietnam veterans from the local area honored through VVMF’s In Memory program which honors veterans who returned home from Vietnam and later died as a result of their service; video displays that teach about the history and impact of The Wall; educational exhibits told through items representative of those left at The Wall in D.C.; a replica of the In Memory plaque; a map of Vietnam and a chronological overview of the Vietnam War. The exhibits tell the story of the Vietnam War, The Wall and the era surrounding the conflict, and are designed to put American experiences in Vietnam in a historical and cultural context.
About VVMF
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund (VVMF) is the nonprofit organization that built the Vietnam Veterans Memorial (The Wall) in Washington, D.C. in 1982. VVMF continues to lead the way in paying tribute to our nation’s Vietnam veterans and their families. VVMF’s mission is to honor and preserve the legacy of service in America and educate all generations about the impact of the Vietnam War and era through programs, ceremonies and education materials. To learn more about VVMF, visit www.vvmf.org or call 202-393-0090.

This morning at 0800 we lowered the Flag at the Nahant Life Saving Station, home to the Nahant American Legion Post 215 to half staff in honor of the service members and civilians who perished in the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. 

The following is the text of the 2020 Presidential Proclamation.
​On the morning of December 7, 1941, Imperial Japanese forces ambushed the Naval Station Pearl Harbor on the Hawaiian island of Oahu. Tragically, 2,403 Americans perished during the attack, including 68 civilians. On this National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, we solemnly honor and uphold the memory of the patriots who lost their lives that day — “a date which will live in infamy” — and we reflect on the courage of all those who served our Nation with honor in the Second World War.

Seventy nine years ago, Imperial Japan launched an unprovoked and devastating attack on our Nation. As torpedo bombers unleashed their deadly cargo on our ships and attack aircraft rained bombs from above, brave members of the United States Navy, Marines, Army, and Army Air Forces mounted a heroic defense, manning their battle stations and returning fire through the smoke and chaos. The profound bravery in the American resistance surprised Japanese aircrews and inspired selfless sacrifice among our service members. In one instance, Machinist’s Mate First Class Robert R. Scott, among 15 Sailors awarded the Medal of Honor for acts of valor on that day, refused to leave his flooding battle station within the depths of the USS CALIFORNIA, declaring to the world: “This is my station and I will stay and give them air as long as the guns are going.”

Forever enshrined in our history, the attack on Pearl Harbor shocked all Americans and galvanized our Nation to fight and defeat the Axis powers of Japan, Germany, and Italy. As Americans, we promise never to forget our fallen compatriots who fought so valiantly during World War II. As a testament to their memory, more than a million people visit the site of the USS ARIZONA Memorial each year to pay their respects to the Sailors entombed within its wreckage and to all who perished that day. Despite facing tremendous adversity, the Pacific Fleet, whose homeport remains at Pearl Harbor to this day, is stronger than ever before, upholding the legacy of all those who gave their lives nearly 80 years ago.

On this National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, we recall the phrase “Remember Pearl Harbor,” which stirred the fighting spirit within the hearts of the more than 16 million Americans who courageously served in World War II. Over 400,000 gave their lives in the global conflict that began, for our Nation, on that fateful Sunday morning. Today, we memorialize all those lost on December 7, 1941, declare once again that our Nation will never forget these valiant heroes, and resolve as firmly as ever that their memory and spirit will survive for as long as our Nation endures.
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The Congress, by Public Law 103-308, as amended, has designated December 7 of each year as “National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.”

NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim December 7, 2020, as National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. I encourage all Americans to observe this solemn day of remembrance and to honor our military, past and present, with appropriate ceremonies and activities. I urge all Federal agencies and interested organizations, groups, and individuals to fly the flag of the United States at half-staff in honor of those American patriots who died as a result of their service at Pearl Harbor.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fourth day of December, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-fifth.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Marine_Corps_birthday
The official birthday of the United States Marine Corps is on 10 November 1775.
​That was the day when the Second Continental Congress established the Continental Marines with the following decree:[1]

That two battalions of Marines be raised consisting of one Colonel, two lieutenant-colonels, two majors and other officers, as usual in other regiments; that they consist of an equal number of privates as with other battalions, that particular care be taken that no persons be appointed to offices, or enlisted into said battalions, but such as are good seamen, or so acquainted with maritime affairs as to be able to serve for and during the present war with Great Britain and the Colonies; unless dismissed by Congress; that they be distinguished by the names of the First and Second Battalions of Marines.

Tun Tavern, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is regarded as the birthplace of the Corps as the location of the first Marines to enlist under Commandant Samuel Nicholas,[2][3][4] though it is disputed if a recruiting drive may have occurred earlier at Nicholas's family tavern, the Conestoga Waggon [sic].[5] When the Revolutionary War ended in 1783, the Continental Navy was disestablished, and with it, the Continental Marines. The Corps was re-established on 11 July 1798, when the act for establishing and organizing a Marine Corps was signed by President John Adams.[6]

Date: Wednesday, November 11th, 2020
Time: 11 A.M.
Location: Veterans Park
The Nahant American Legion Post #215 would like to invite all members of the community to join us on Veterans Day at The Nahant Veterans Park for a service dedicating to recognizing our Nation's Veterans. This event is open to the public and all are invited to attend. Please wear a mask and observe social distancing. We look forward to seeing you there to celebrate our Town's Veterans.

The Nahant American Legion Post 215 Officers and Members wish to express their deepest condolences to Auxiliary Member Peggy Silva and Family on their loss.

Robert A. “Bob” Silva, age 73, of Nahant, died peacefully at his home on Monday, October 12, 2020. 

He was the husband of Margaret “Peggy” (O’Leary) Silva, with whom he shared 47 years of marriage.  Born and raised in Salem, he was the son of the late Anthony and Lucy (Carr) Silva.  He had lived in Nahant for the past 48 years.

Bob was a graduate of Bishop Fenwick High School, class of 1965 and St. Anselm College, class of 1969.  He received his MBA from Indiana University in 1972.  He served in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam Era. Bob worked as a management consultant for many years until his retirement.

An avid supporter of St. Anselm College, Bob cherished the many friendships he made, which spanned over 50 years.  He enjoyed golfing regularly with his friends at Kelley Greens.  He also enjoyed skiing at Sunday River and was a regular beach walker at both Lynn Beach and East Point in Nahant.  He was skilled at creating beautiful stained glass artwork.  He also enjoyed extensive travel. Bob had a fierce loyalty to his many friends from all walks of life.  His family was most important to him. He was dedicated to his parents and three younger brothers and adored his wife, children and grandchildren.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his two children; Julie O’Neil and her husband Michael of Marblehead and Jason Silva and his wife Nicole of Weddington, NC; his grandchildren; Avery and Connor O’Neil and Hallie, Peyton and Andrew Silva; three brothers, Anthony Silva and his wife Kathie of Epping, NH, Jack Silva of Newburyport and Tom Silva and his wife Catherine of Nahant; as well as his brother-in-law, Tim O’Leary and many nieces and nephews.

His visiting hours will be held on Thursday from 4-7PM in the SOLIMINE FUNERAL HOME, 67 Ocean St (Rt 1A), Lynn.  Relatives and friends are respectfully invited and are expected to adhere to the guidelines of the Commonwealth of MA and the CDC, which limits the visitation at the funeral home to 40 people at a time.

His funeral mass which must be family only due to Covid restrictions will be at St. Thomas Aquinas Church on Friday at 10:30 am.

Those who would like may join the family at Greenlawn Cemetery following the Mass.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St Anselm College, Class of 1969 Fund, c/o St. Anselm College Office of College Advancement, 100 St. Anselm Dr., Manchester, NH 03102.

“Let Americans disdain to be the instruments of European greatness! Let the thirteen States, bound together in a strict and indissoluble Union, concur in erecting one great American system, superior to the control of all transatlantic force or influence, and able to dictate the terms of the connection between the old and the new world!”1

So ended Alexander Hamilton’s essay (no. 11 of the Federalist Papers, 1787) on the crucial role a navy would play in safeguarding America’s commerce and reputation. The essay also laid out all the hopes of the new nation: peace, prosperity, and respect from the mighty nations of Europe.

Yet the Navy’s creation and development proceeded piecemeal and haltingly in face of seemingly intractable political, ideological, and economic obstacles. It took a quarter century for the Navy to emerge as a stable institution, and although we now celebrate the birthday of the Navy on 13 October, that date in 1775 is but one of several important steps on the way to a permanent naval defense force for the American people.

For the continuance of this article please visit its source: ​https://www.history.navy.mil/browse-by-topic/heritage/origins-of-the-navy/birth-of-the-us-navy.htmlwww.history.navy.mil/browse-by-topic/heritage/origins-of-the-navy/birth-of-the-us-navy.html

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NAHANT — Francis “Cully” Cullinan, of Nahant, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family on April 25, 2020 at 91 years old.

Born in Haverhill and raised in Lynn, son to the late Frank and Louise (Whiting) Cullinan. Devoted and beloved husband of 71 years to Irene (Athy) Cullinan. Father to Michael and his wife Dale, of Nahant, Mark and his late wife Mary, of Nahant, his late daughter Deborah (Polnicki) Cullinan, Francis Jr., of Nahant, and Kathleen Canty and her late husband Michael of Nahant; his grandchildren Shane Codispoti, Jill Pelletier, Stefan Polnicki, Irene Hamernick, Christopher Fee, Michael Cullinan, Elizabeth Cronin, Matthew Canty, Jake Canty and Briana Canty; and 13 great-grandchildren. Brother to Valerie Whitcher, of Nahant and John Cullinan, of Marblehead.

A graduate of Lynn English High School, he went on to study law enforcement at North Shore Community College. Cully was a proud USN veteran of WWII serving in the Pacific. He began his lifelong career in law enforcement with the Nahant Police Department before attending and graduating from the Mass. State Police Academy. He spent much of his career as a police officer and detective with the Metropolitan District Commission Police Department, and served as the Nahant police chief.

Active in many civic organizations he served as Grand Knight for the Knights of Columbus and a member of Nahant American Legion Post 215 and a member of the Nahant Historical Society. Upon his retirement he and his wife moved to Florida, where they lived for many years, and made new friends from all over the USA. He loved coming home each year to attend his grandchildren’s sporting and school events and working part-time for the Nahant DPW where he mentored the young seasonal workers. The young workers knew if they were assigned to Cully they were in for a day of hard work, and many of them appreciate the work ethic and lessons learned by working alongside him.

Cully was a friend of “Bill W” for 50 years and counseled many people, young and old, struggling with addiction. He loved physical work, especially helping his children repair their homes and gardens. He loved Irish music and the trips to Ireland with his wife, where they spent countless hours researching their family heritage. Cully was a larger than life fixture in Nahant, a town that he dearly loved. The family would like to thank all of the dedicated staff at the Chelsea Veterans Home with special recognition to Donna Chronis for her loving and compassionate care.
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In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to the Nahant Historical Society at 41 Valley Road, Nahant, MA 01908, or to the Nahant Council on Aging at 336 Nahant Road, Nahant, MA 01908.

​A team of Nahant Veterans visited Greenlawn Cemetery this morning and reset the veterans markers and flags affected by yesterday's high winds. We appreciate the ongoing work done by our Town's DPW / Cemetery workers as they care for the grounds and help us honor our Veterans.

​October 4, 2020
Today, Nahant American Legion Post 215 lowers our Flag to half-mast in honor of National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Day. 

Each year on the first Sunday of October, we honor fallen firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice saving and protecting their communities. The National Fallen Firefighters Monument, located in Emmitsburg, Maryland, pays tribute to all the valiant firefighters in the United States that have been killed in the line of duty.

In observance of National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Day, the President directs the flags of the United States to be flown at half-staff at all local and state buildings, installations, and grounds throughout the Country from sunrise to sunset on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2020.

For the complete Presidential proclamation see here.

In 1936 the 74th Congress declared, “the last Sunday in September shall hereafter be designated and known as ‘Gold Star Mother’s Day,’ and it shall be the duty of the President to request its observance as provided for in this resolution.” 

This year by Presidential Proclamation recognizes Sunday, September 27, 2020 as Gold Star Mother's and Family's Day. An excerpt from the proclamation reads as follow:

"The true strength and success of our Armed Forces is found in the love, support, and unity of our Nation’s military families, and this is reflected best in our country’s inspirational Gold Star Mothers and Families.  Shouldering their profound grief, they find the courage and conviction to move forward, transforming their heartache into hope, meaningful service, and outreach to veterans, support organizations, and other military families coping with the death of a loved one.  Their ability to overcome, persist, prevail, and in turn, enrich the lives of others, exemplifies the true American Spirit.  On behalf of our grateful Nation, I commend and honor them for their continued commitment to our military heroes."

The full text may be read here.

Gold Star Mothers may come together through the American Gold Star Mothers, Inc. (est. January 5, 1929),  a nondenominational, non-profitable and nonpolitical organization. Their mission:

Finding strength in the fellowship of other Gold Star Mothers who strive to keep the memory of our sons and daughters alive by working to help veterans, those currently serving in the military, their families and our communities.

We honor these Mothers and Families today.