On Friday, November 11th, Hingham residents, students, and veterans piled into Hingham’s Town Hall for the annual Veteran’s Day Service. Behind the seats lining the front stage and podium sat the Hingham High School Band, providing the nationalistic American and military music.

The ceremony started promptly at 11, beginning with the bugler sounds “Assembly” and the band, directed under Mr. Cincotta, played “The American Heritage”. Moderator Michael Puzo called the ceremony to order and the Colors presentation conducted by the Police and Fire Departments marched into the auditorium. Together, the “National Anthem” was sung accompanied by the HHS Band, a moving start to thank Hingham’s and the nation’s veterans.

The invocation was presented by Fr. Sinisa Ubiparipovic and was followed by the Moderator’s recognition of honored guests. After the remarks, Hingham Band performed the “Armed Forces Medley”. A very moving sight as past men and women, who proudly served, stood to their military calling. The audience respectfully clapped and showed their dedicated appreciation.

Next, the Board of Selectman Chairman, Paul Heatley made a profound speech about the amazing Veteran’s services Hingham offers and the support groups that have been founded in recent years. Former Commonwealth of Massachusetts Secretary of Veterans Services, Coleman Nee briefly furthered the growing development of Veterans services and its beneficial effects.

Lastly, the awards ceremony gifted Veteran of the Year, presented by Past Veteran of the Year and United States Navy and Senior Chief Petty Officer, Keith Jermyn and a well deserved recognition of an officer’s brave heroic act during Saint Paul’s fundraiser 5K. The officer risked his life because of a car’s impatience to get around Hingham due to the road stops and runners. The car ended up getting stuck on the train tracks under the arms of the gates. The officer quickly sprung into action and helped the car escape seconds before the MBTA train came rushing past.

The ceremony inside concluded with the Benediction by Fr. Sinisa Ubiparipovic followed by the Colors to the Veteran’s Monument. The Bugler sounded the “Retreat” signaling the ceremony outside. Two young Boy Scouts carried the memorial wreath to be placed outside the Town Hall during the Veteran’s lead in the Pledge of Allegiance. The Legion/VFW and Militia Rifle Squads Fired the Volley along with the Bugler “Taps” and dismissal of the troops.

Overall, as director of the Hingham High School Band and attendee of the Veteran’s service for many years, Mr. Cincotta put it, “It’s always a moving event and an excellent opportunity to give something back to those who have sacrificed so much for us. Seeing the pride in the eyes of the veterans, some 80 or 90 years old, when they stand and salute at our performance of their service marches is a truly powerful experience.”