The Wilmington Community and its Pride of its Soldiers

The Wilmington Community and its Pride of its Soldiers 

By Jocelyn Ferraro 

     Wilmington is a small town that is about 20 minutes north of Boston. It has a plaza and many Dunkin Donuts and pizza places. There are quite a few churches in town and two train stations to get the commuters to and from their jobs in Boston. The newest building in town happens to be the High School. The old one was about 66 years old as it was built in 1950. But even before then, Wilmington had a strong connection to and appreciation for soldiers who fought for the country. All around town and even in the High school, there are monuments dedicated  to the veterans who served and the Prisoners of War (POW's) and the Missing in Action (MIA's).   

Veterans Monument at Town Common

     In the cemetery, there are gravestones in the shape of a cross with a red, white, and blue flower wreath on it to distinguish those who served the country in the Vietnam War, World War I and II, and other wars who lived in Wilmington. And every Memorial Day, there is a parade and those who died are publicly recognized at the end. It's a whole production. The whole town comes out, the cannons are fired, the Marching Band plays, and people speak. It lasts about an hour. I am in the Colorguard, so I am required to be there, but over the years, I have come to appreciate this event and I have seen it bring awareness to others and also bring people together. 

Far shot of the Revolutionary War (Minutemen)  Headstone

Close shot of  the Revolutionary War (Minutemen) Headstone

     I am also a part of the Local Heroes Club, and we do a lot for the veterans. We make them snowflakes, send them holiday cards, ribbons, and teddy bears, write them letters, and send the soldiers necessary supplies and fun goodies. Being a part of this club is enjoyable because I know that I am helping those men and women who sacrificed everything for us, and that makes me feel good. But we also try to get the school and community involved and there has always been overwhelming support. That just shows how grateful the town of Wilmington is towards its soldiers who are serving or who have served. We take pride in them and are grateful for them, and we show that with our many memorials, traditions, and actions.