LAKEVILLE — Brian Reynolds, a Vietnam War veteran, described the mental and physical scars servicemembers deal with in order to illustrate the importance of helping veterans reacclimate to society.

Reynolds, currently the Lakeville Historical Committee Chairman, also detailed his own Vietnam War experiences and recognized local veterans as he led Lakeville’s Veterans Day ceremony on Friday, Nov. 11.

Reynolds spoke of the endless gunfire he saw in Vietnam.

A group including local veterans, residents, and officials met at the William Hitchcock Playground at Assawompset Elementary School to honor the namesake Vietnam War veteran. Select Board Member Lorraine Carboni welcomed the attendees and thanked veterans in attendance for their service.

The group then walked to the Lakeville Honor Roll—which lists Lakeville residents who served their country—near the Old Town Hall. The ceremony concluded at Dickran Diran Square, named for a Lakeville resident killed in action during World War I. 

Wreaths were placed by local veterans and officials to honor servicemembers at all three stops. Select Board Chair Rich LaCamera and State Representative Norm Orrall presented wreaths and spoke about the importance of assisting veterans in healing the scars of war, both seen and unseen.

After the ceremony, attendees stuck around to thank veterans for their service. Around 11 a.m., bells rang from the United Church of Christ next to Dickran Diran Square to signify the armistice to end World War I reached at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918.

“It’s a sense of pride to know that people appreciate our sacrifice,” said Air Force Veteran Rodney Dixon.