Wellington held its annual Veterans Day parade and ceremony on Wednesday, bringing together veterans, first responders and local organizations. The procession ended at the Wellington Veterans Memorial, where the community honored veterans and active-duty service members.
Vietnam veteran Robert Marole said the event gave him a rare chance to be around others who share the experience of military service. He said veterans seldom talk about their time in uniform, and he was glad to see that many of his fellow former service members are still around.
Marole said he was drafted in 1965 at age 22 and spent a year in Vietnam with Army intelligence. He said coming home felt lonely, with many of the people he served alongside left behind.
During the ceremony, Wellington’s vice mayor said the town cannot repay veterans for their sacrifice but can honor and respect them and make sure future generations understand what their service meant.
Marole’s request for residents was simple. If you see a veteran, say hello, and a thank-you now and then would mean a lot.
