HAVERHILL – Hundreds of residents headed downtown Monday to honor the city’s service members in what turned out to be one of the largest-ever turnouts for the Veterans Day Parade, American Legion Post 4 Commander Chris Manning said.
Post 4 and the city’s Veterans Services Department hosted the annual parade, which began at 10:15 a.m. at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Mill Brook Park. The event drew out throngs of residents, city workers and local leaders to honor those who served and are serving in the U.S. armed forces.
Leading the procession was Haverhill High School’s Junior ROTC program, which was recognized in September as the best unit in the region by the Marine Corps Reserve Association, according to the high school’s website. The young cadets set a disciplined pace, guiding the march down Mill Street.
Following the high-schoolers were veterans from various military branches, the Haverhill Exchange Club, and Cub Scouts Pack 63.
Mayor Melinda Barrett walked alongside city councilors Thomas Sullivan, Katrina Hobbs-Everett, Shaun Toohey, and Michael McGonagle, greeting residents and thanking veterans for their service.
A crew of Haverhill firefighters stood in front of the Water Street station, saluting veterans as they passed.
The parade’s route wound from Mill Street to Water Street, then to Water Street and Merrimack Street.
Residents lined the sidewalks, waving miniature American flags and offering words of gratitude to the marchers. The Haverhill Police Department guided traffic and ensured the event ran smoothly.
Once arriving at Washington Square, the junior ROTC student’s halted and a ceremony began at about 10:45 a.m. Manning addressed the crowd as clouds cleared and sunlight glowed onto the flag-bearing service members.
The national anthem was sung by Stephanie Carpenito and “Amazing Grace” was played by Newburyport bagpiper Robert Moore.
The mayor delivered brief remarks, thanking the community for attending and paying tribute to the veterans of the city. Manning was also grateful for the strong turnout, recognizing the many city departments that helped organize the event.
“I was surprised at the attendance because it was much larger than last year,” Manning said after the ceremony. “Every year it seems to grow and more locals seem to show up.”
Manning took a moment to present Haverhill High’s Cadet Capt. Janine Alciver with a $500 scholarship and a medal for her achievements and dedication to the program.
The ceremony came to a close with a moment of silence and a performance of taps at about 11 a.m. The crowd dispersed as veterans navigated to a luncheon hosted by American Legion Post 4 at 1314 N Main St.