By Alberto Surís
The ceremony, held on Friday, November 11, at South Lawrence East School to honor Lawrence veterans, began with the customary display of flags by members of the Lawrence High School JROTC followed by the Fire Department and the Lawrence Police.
The LHS Girls Ensemble officiated the act with the National Anthem’s notes, opening the event with the words of Mayor Daniel Rivera, Congresswoman Niki Tsongas and District F Councilor and Vice-President of the Council, Marc Laplante.
Richard Sumberg, President of Merrimack Valley Habitat for Humanity was the guest speaker. MVHH is building a duplex home for two veterans and their families, Isidoro Velazquez and Joseph Maldonado through a partnership with the Veterans Northeast Outreach Center and New England Veterans Liberty House. For that effort, MVHH President Sumberg received a citation sent by Governor Charlie Baker.
Also in attendance were Councilors Modesto Maldonado, Kendrys Vasquez, Jeovanny Rodriguez, David Abdoo and Brian De Pena.
Nancy Maldari, of Concord Piece Makers and Thea Shapiro, Faith Relations Coordinator of the Merrimack Valley Habitat for Humanity presented Velasquez and Maldonado with colorful quilts.
