Haverhill VFW Encourages Residents to Unite in Honoring Our Fallen Veterans

Veterans of Foreign Wars Lorraine Post 29 is once again inviting residents to decorate their homes or apartments in a patriotic manner for the Memorial Day Challenge. The Haverhill VFW suggests such ideas as decorating their front doors with homemade signs, flags, or pictures of flags; displaying red, white, and blue in windows; or even simply displaying an American Flag. Recognizing the economic effects of the pandemic, officials said homemade signs will work just fine and would like to encourage the youth to get creative and have fun with this.

VFW Post 29 Commander Keith Gopsill said, "As this most humble holiday approaches we invite all residents to show their pride and support for those who helped pave the way for our freedoms by decorating the city with the American Flag and colors of red, white, and blue.”

The VFW’s plan is to create a committee and establish a contest this year amongst the community, and local businesses. There will be special recognition given out for those who send in pictures of their displays to the VFW, see their website vfw29.org for details. The local judges will be made from local business owners, elected officials, and members of VFW Post 29. 

Besides the VFW observance, the City Director of Veteran Service Officer Luis Santiago is working with all Veterans’ groups to plan a remote celebration on Memorial Day, to honor our servicemen and servicewomen who paid the ultimate price for freedom.

Shawn Watkins, Senior Vice Commander of VFW Post 29, said "simple acts are a great way for the community to come together, while being socially distant, to show respect and appreciation for our fallen heroes. We, as Americans have a solemn duty to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation,” he explained, adding "it is extremely important that we come together and remember, honor, and pay respect to our fellow veterans who have come before us and defended our Nation.”

Residents looking to purchase American flags can find special discounts at the

Haverhill Aubuchon store located in Riverside Plaza on Lincoln Ave. Store Manager

Tom Daugirda says they are offering a special on American flags

•    Reward members will receive a reward on Select Flags and flag kits.

•    Become a member and get 15% off one item. 

The Riverside Aubuchon is also accepting old unserviceable American flags for retirement. There is a special bin in the store where flags can be deposited for appropriate retirement by the VFW Post 29.