By Alberto Suris
Last Monday, November 12, the City of Lawrence paid tribute not only to Veterans but to the victims of the gas explosions and consequent fires that affected the Merrimack Valley.
“We almost had no celebration,” said Jaime Melendez, director of Veterans Services for the City of Lawrence. Melendez explained that the site selected for the celebration was one of those affected, but Mayor Rivera told him, “Yes, we have to do it, it’s good to remember.”
Louise Sandberg marveled the audience with her dissertation on the First World War in its 100th Anniversary, and the contribution that Lawrence and Lawrencians provided during the conflict. I only wish that this war would have been the end of all wars, she said, although she was pleased to know that there will always be soldiers standing by when the country needs them.
Since Dr. Octavio Ariza-Núñez, Brigadier General of the Dominican Republic is visiting Lawrence, he was a special guest at the event. There was an exchange of proclamations between him, Mayor Rivera, Representative Frank Moran, Councilwoman Ana Levy and Director of Veterans Services, Jaime Melendez.
Present at the event were State Representative Frank Morán; State Representative-Elect Marcos Devers; Lawrence Police Chief Roy P. Vasque; Lawrence Fire Chief Brian Moriarty; Paul Iannuccillo, Register of Deeds; and City Council Members Ana Levy, David Abdoo and Jeovanny Rodriguez. Brother Rene Roy was in charge of the opening ceremony and closing prayer.
