MIDDLEBORO — Taps and a rifle salute provided a note of thanks to conclude Middleboro’s Veterans Day ceremony.

Led by Middleboro Veterans Service Officer Steve Adelman and Middleboro American Legion Commander Bob Burke, the ceremony on Nov. 11 at Town Hall honored local veterans for their military service.

Veterans stood, saluted, and received applause as their branches were called.

During his remarks, Burke spoke about the importance of helping veterans readjust to society after facing the horrors of war.

“Many veterans today continue to pay a high price for their military service,” Burke said. “It is up to us to ensure they always have access to high-quality healthcare and benefits reflecting the thanks of a great nation.”

Boy Scouts from the area handed out informational pamphlets about the local Veterans of Foreign War Post. Middleboro High School students and other young members of the community provided music and readings.

Hana Marshall, the student council president of Middleboro High School, read the Massachusetts Veterans Day Proclamation, Miss Taunton 2023 Lily Jeswald sang the National Anthem, and Miss Massachusetts Outstanding Teen Jenna McLaughlin sang “God Bless America.” 

The Middleboro High School band performed service songs when each branch of service was recognized, and band members Nora Lyons and Jamison Studley played Taps.

Jeremy Ervin, Rock Village Church minister, gave the Invocation, and South Middleboro United Methodist Church Pastor Nancy Jarrett gave the Benediction.

Wreaths were presented to local chapters of groups including the American Legion, Women’s Veterans, and Disabled American Veterans.

“The stigma of seeking help needs to end,” Burke said. “It is crucial that we look at this issue much differently than previous generations. Very few of us are trained counselors or mental health professionals, but we are capable of listening, referring, and following up.”