Veterans Day Ceremony Gives Thanks to Those Who Served

FOXBOROUGH, MA — At the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month, Foxborough paused and paid tribute to those who have served and sacrificed for their county.

The annual Veterans Day program was held at Foxborough High School Friday and hosted by Veterans Service Officer Michael Johns. World War II veteran Larry Kirby served as the keynote speaking, telling the audience of his time as a Marine in Iwo Jima.

Kirby enlisted as a Marine in 1942, serving until Christmas Eve 1945. He spent much of his time serving in the Pacific Theater, a time of his life that has stuck with him.

"It was a long time ago. My war has already receded into history because more people didn’t live in that time and they have no recollection of that,” he said. “I remember every day of the time I served. It’s embedded in my mind. I remember everyone whom I served with. I typically remember my friends who didn’t survive the war. In my platoon on Iwo Jima, we lost 22 men and every morning I visit with 22 men in my mind."

Kirby, who called Iwo Jima the bloodiest battle involving American soldiers since Gettysburg, said that his fellow Marines only took their emotions and training into battle, knowing that there was a chance they were not coming pack.

“The uncertainty of what’s going to happen is an overpowering fear and you have to overcome it,” he said. “I was so very well trained that I felt confident that I could do my job and survive because I know looking back that the young man that goes into combat without proper training will die.”

But it wasn’t only the men he fought with that Kirby is grateful for, it’s also the veterans that didn’t see battle and helped train him.

“Veterans Day is a day we thank all veterans, not just combat veterans because as I look back I realize that non-combat veterans saved my life,” he said.

Also speaking at the event were Board of Selectmen Chairman David Feldman, Fire Chief Roger Hatfield, Foxborough High School Junior and America at War student Kelli McCarthy, Representative F. Jay Barrows, Rev. Matt Westcott of St. Mary’s Church, Rabbi Joseph Ron Fish of Temple Israel Sharon. The Serenading Seniors formed a patriotic melody and the Hymns of the Armed Forces.

Image via Foxboro Cable Access