Gardner honors veterans at City Hall; council names liaison to veterans affairs

Gardner City Hall filled with veterans, city officials and residents on Veterans Day as local leaders paid tribute to military service and urged community support for veterans in need.

State Representative John Zlotnick opened the ceremony and led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance before introducing Dr. Stephanie Marchetti, executive director of the Montachusett Veterans Outreach Center, who thanked organizers and attendees for their support. Mayor Mike Nicholson recalled Gardner’s founding and connected the city’s civic traditions to veterans’ service.

"To all of our veterans who are here present from the bottom of my heart, thank you," Mayor Nicholson said, expressing pride in Gardner’s efforts to honor service. Council President George Tyros thanked veterans and recognized council members in attendance; he also announced that Councilor Tassoni would serve as the council’s liaison to Veterans Affairs to ensure veterans’ perspectives are brought to council discussions.

The ceremony included a musical performance by the Gardner High School band and a student reading of the poem "In Flanders Fields." Paul LeBlanc delivered the invocation and later the benediction. VFW Post 905 provided a rifle salute and the ceremonial placing of poppies representing U.S. conflicts from the Spanish–American War through Afghanistan.

Keynote remarks and an address from Nikki Laviolette, assistant director for veteran services in Gardner and a Navy veteran, emphasized ongoing needs among veterans. Laviolette cited U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs estimates and said many veterans face mental-health challenges, addiction, homelessness and food insecurity. She urged donations to the Montachusett Veterans Outreach Center’s food pantry, noting MVOC helps "over 200 veterans and their families each month."

"Take pride in knowing that you are part of the 1% of the population who chose to lace them up," Laviolette said, calling on the community to support veterans year-round. She also named local MVOC staff including Director Christopher Davis and administrator Taverly Adams as points of contact for services.

The ceremony concluded with final prayers and acknowledgments; organizers encouraged attendees to donate nonperishable food and cash donations to local veterans services ahead of the Thanksgiving and holiday season.