Hingham Salutes Veterans with Ceremony at Town Hall

The Hingham’s Veterans Day observance was held at Town Hall, with speaker Sergeant John Giasullo, a U.S. Army Veteran and Silver Star recipient.

The Hingham High School band played “American Heritage,” at the ceremony, which included moments of reflection, and thanks to our veterans.

Giasullo, also a Hingham Firefighter/Paramedic, received the Silver Star while deployed in Eastern Afghanistan in 2008. When his convoy was struck with explosive devices, he rendered aid to those around him, and despite being wounded himself, stayed with his men to complete the mission.   

He spoke about the withdrawal from Afghanistan, and the 2021 Kabul Airport attack, where 13 U.S. service members were killed.

“If you are looking for role models in this country, then look no further than those 13 men and women, and the countless others who participated in this mission,” said Giasullo. “It was not a bunch of celebrities or athletes standing on the walls, deciding who can get through, and who has to stay behind. It was a bunch of 20-something-year-old kids from every corner of our country, some of which were not even alive during 9/11. Yet there they were in a foreign land, trying to save civilians from a life under Taliban rule.”

He took issue with negative coverage of the United States in the news and on television.

“I know we have our faults; we truly do. But if not here, where? Where else can we go? Where else in this world will you find people willing to go into harm’s way for the sake of others? When I hear people talk down about this country or its people, it bothers me,” said Giasullo. “I look no further than our military and veteran populations… professionals who have carried freedom on their backs for centuries. They represent the best of America and our ideals. When there is a crisis on this planet, and sending thoughts and prayers on Facebook isn’t working, they call on our young men and women, who will get the job done no matter what.”

He spoke with WATD after the event:

Hingham Director of Veterans Services, Keith Jermyn, says it’s important to take today and thank a veteran.

“I heard this week, it’s really going to stick with me; that every day is Veterans Day. Take that opportunity if you see a hat, lapel pin, or something. Kind of go out of your way and thank that person. As an all-volunteer force, it’s a proven fact that only one percent of America actually dons the uniform of the armed service of any branch,” said Jermyn. “It’s just a tradition, a pride to have, and a calling if you will, to serve… Our speaker, Sergeant Giasullo said it really poignantly. We don’t have to do it. If we didn’t do it, I think America would look far different from what we see today.”

A wreath-laying ceremony, rifle volley, and playing of “Taps” concluded the events.