By William Tauro
This past Sunday the members of the Winter Hill Yacht Club of Somerville and the Old Colony Yacht Club of Dorchester hosted their annual Veteran’s Cruise on the Boston Harbor.
The flotilla, carrying close to one hundred disabled American veterans on vessels that consisted of over twentyfive donated privately owned power boats from members of both yacht clubs, shoved off from the docks of the Winter Hill Yacht Club in Somerville and Old Colony Yacht Club in Dorchester.
The flotilla traveled under police escort by the Massachusetts State Police Marine Unit under Commander Lt. James Concannon. Trooper’s Bob Malloy and Steve Kamb aboard State Police vessel “Marine 31”, provided the escort.
Massachusetts State Police Lutenent John Gentile also helped in organizing with the cruise preparations.
The Massachusetts Environmental Police Marine Unit also provided tremendous assistance to the flotilla that was escorted by Sgts. Chris Baker, Tony Khabir and officers Dan and Colin Haynes on the patrol boat Thomas Paine.
The Massport Fireboat, Marine 31 – “American United”, Captain James Bolta and crew provided the water cannon-salute for the flotilla of veterans with the department’s fire boat, showering the path with a ceremonial fire hose spray salute to the heroes on board as they passed in front of Castle Island.
Somerville Ward1 Alderman-US Army veteran Matthew Mclaughlin and as well as New Hampshire state representative AL Baldasaro/retired Marine also attended the event of veterans.
Boston Chinatown American Legion Post #328 Commander Amy Au and her post’s members were also invited guest on the cruise.
Michael Falzone, candidate for Revere city council and Vivaldo Meneses Jr Candidate for Somerville’s Ward 3 School Committee-retired Air Force veteran were also at the event.
After the one hour cruise through Boston Harbor, the flotilla traveled back to the Winter Hill Yacht Club for an old fashion barbecue that was hosted in its entirety by the members of the Winter Hill Yacht Club.
Somerville Council of Aging Director Cindy Hickey, Somerville Council of Aging Social worker Suzanne Norton, COA’s Kim Moss and Somerville Community Police Officer Maryann Manfra, as well as Chelsea Soldier’s Home participated in the event by organizing and transporting bus loads of veterans, some in wheelchairs, to the event. They enjoyed a fun filled day on the water as a way of being thanked for their services and for all they have done for our country.
The veterans applauded and gave special thanks to the members of the Winter Hill Yacht Club for making the annual event possible as well as a special thank you to the Chelsea Rotary club for thier sponsorship and continuous support.
