The Town Council honored Watertown residents who served in the War in Afghanistan with a proclamation, and the idea was raised to create a memorial to those who served in Iraq and Afghanistan.
On Tuesday night, the Town Council read and approved a proclamation “Honoring Those Watertown Citizens Who Served in The War in Afghanistan.”
The proclamation acknowledged the “new generation of service members who joined the military in the aftermath of Sept. 11, 2001.” Also, adding that Watertown has over 700 residents who are veterans of the military.
It added after 20 years since the Sept. 11 attacks there are no longer American servicemembers in Afghanistan. The proclamation said: “The United States Armed Forces succeeded in their mission during Operation Enduring Freedom, to eradicate terrorist training grounds and capture those responsible for the September 11th attacks,” going on to say that “The American servicemembers who were called to action fought valiantly and trained their allies to the best of their abilities,” and “The country and its citizens will forever be indebted to the lives lost in support of the War on Terrorism.”
The proclamation concluded by saying that the Town Council will:
(1) Expresses its sincere appreciation to the Watertown residents and employees who served with honor in the war in Afghanistan
(2) Endeavors to provide the utmost support and opportunity to the Veterans of the War on Terror as the war comes to an end and all of our service members come home.
(See the entire proclamation below)
Veteran’s Services Officer Patrick George, who served in Afghanistan 10 years ago with the Marines, thanked the Council for passing the proclamation. He said that the Town of Watertown’s Veteran’s Office can help veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and those who served prior to that time.
“In addition to this proclamation and in my role as VSO we are happy to assist all veterans as they transition home, and provide services if they do need anything in addition to simply being told ‘welcome home,'” George said. “Opportunities exist at the VA, local veterans centers, with the Home Base Program, and other veterans programs like that.”
Veterans Agent Patrick George and the Watertown Veteran’s Services Office can be reached at pgeorge@watertown-ma.gov or 617-972-6416.
Memorial
After the proclamation was read, Councilor John Gannon asked if it was too soon to start discussing the creation of a permanent memorial to the veterans who served in Iraq and/or Afghanistan.
“I don’t think it’s ever too soon,” George said. “It’s something I’ve already heard from veterans organizations, who are starting to bring it up.”
George said the group that served in the War on Terror was different from other major conflicts in U.S. history.
“It was an all volunteer force. With previous wars there were drafts. There were large populations of veterans who went together,” George said.
He recalled during the effort to create a memorial for Paul Gorman, a Watertown resident killed in Vietnam, a group of others from town supported him. Some of them had joined him on the train to Parris Island for Marine boot camp.
“This war is a little different. It was a smaller population, but we are fortunate,” George said. “We are fortunate enough that the veterans and the community in general are very supportive of individuals who served. So I think it is certainly something I would be happy to work on with the Council and every other member of the Town and the Town government.”
Full Text of the Proclamation
PROCLAMATION HONORING THOSE WATERTOWN CITIZENS WHO SERVED IN THE WAR IN AFGHANISTAN
WHEREAS: On September 11, 2001, unprecedented terrorist attacks of extreme cruelty and violence were committed against the United States of America, resulting in the loss of 2,977 lives in New York City, Washington DC, and near Shanksville Pennsylvania; and
WHEREAS: In the aftermath of September 11th, a new generation of service members joined the military to protect their country and ensure that our freedom remains unfettered and sovereign for all generations, now and forever; and
WHEREAS: 20 years following the September 11 attacks, the United States no longer maintains a military presence in Afghanistan; and
WHEREAS: The United States Armed Forces succeeded in their mission during Operation Enduring Freedom, to eradicate terrorist training grounds and capture those responsible for the September 11th attacks; and
WHEREAS: The American servicemembers who were called to action fought valiantly and trained their allies to the best of their abilities; and
WHEREAS: The country and its citizens will forever be indebted to the lives lost in support of the War on Terrorism; and
WHEREAS: Watertown is honored to have over 700 residents who are veterans; and
WHEREAS: Anchored by the community and its veterans’ organizations, Watertown will always support those who volunteer to serve their country;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT PROCLAIMED: that the Town Council of the city known as the Town of Watertown hereby:
(1) Expresses its sincere appreciation to the Watertown residents and employees who served with honor in the war in Afghanistan
(2) Endeavors to provide the utmost support and opportunity to the Veterans of the War on Terror as the war comes to an end and all of our service members come home.