MARBLEHEAD, MA — Marblehead U.S. Marine Corps veteran and dedicated local volunteer Calvin Titus was honored at the second annual Military Appreciation Day at the Massachusetts State House, where Sen. Brendan Crighton and Reps. Dan Cahill, Jenny Armini, Sean Reid and Donald Wong recognized four local nominees.
The delegation nominated Robert J. Quinn Jr. of Lynn, David Solimine of Lynn, Titus of Marblehead and Dana Sheehan of Nahant. The event honored service members and veterans, with the lawmakers highlighting each nominee's military record and continued community work.
"Each of our nominees represents dedication and service to both their communities and to our country, and we are proud to recognize their contributions to the freedom and democracy we have today," said Sen. Brendan Crighton.
Titus is a United States Marine Corps veteran and longtime member of the Marblehead community. He completed boot camp at Parris Island in October 1969 and served a nine-month tour in Vietnam from March to December 1970 before continuing in the active reserves until 1971.
He later reenlisted and served from 1977 to 1979 at Camp Lejeune, attaining the rank of corporal. Titus has continued his service at home as President of Marblehead VFW Post 2005, a dedicated volunteer with Wreaths Across America, and a steady supporter of veterans, local organizations, and the town.
He has also given countless hours to youth sports, including baseball and football.
"Cal Titus' ethos is service first — service to his country, community, and of course, to his family," said State Rep. Jenny Armini. "Honoring this Marblehead treasure is an honor for me."
Quinn served in the United States Marine Corps from Jan. 6, 1966, to Dec. 10, 1968. He attained the rank of Corporal, served in combat during the Vietnam War, and remains active with the Lynn Veterans Council and DAV Chapter 64.
Solimine served in the Air National Guard from 1953 to 1959, with assignments at Logan Airport in Boston, Otis Air Force Base on Cape Cod, and Grenier Air Force in Manchester, New Hampshire. He later established Solimine Funeral Homes in 1965 and remains involved in veterans organizations, including American Legion Post 210.
Sheehan is a U.S. Air Force veteran, a member of Nahant Housing Authority, and serves as service officer for American Legion Post 215.
"We are proud to honor our nominees on this special day," Wong said. "We are deeply grateful for their courage, dedication, and unwavering commitment to protecting our freedoms."
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