Newton’s veterans’ groups, police and fire departments, local officials and neighbors came together on Monday morning to celebrate Veterans Day and honor those who have served in the armed forces.
In November 1918, hostilities ended in World War I. President Woodrow Wilson would name the anniversary of that ceasefire Armistice Day, to honor the veterans who had served in the Great War.
The name of the holiday was later changed to Veterans Day by President Dwight Eisenhower and expanded to include all veterans.
“We honor today Americans by birth and by citizenship, Americans of all races and all backgrounds, who throughout our history raised their right arm and took that oath to selflessly, honorable, bravely defend our democracy, defend our freedom and defend the Constitution of the United States,” Mayor Ruthanne Fuller said.
Fuller surprised retired Marine Sgt. Seth Bai—who serves as Newton’s Veterans Services director—with a commendation spotlighting his work in the community,
Bai enlisted in the Marine Corps when he was 22 and, after training at Camp Pendleton in California, headed to Iraq in 2004.
“Enlisting changed his life, leading him on a path of continued service to country, to community, to veterans,” Fuller said.
During a patrol, the platoon Bai led was met with incoming enemy fire. As they searched the home from where the shots were fired, a fellow marine fell from the roof and landed on Bai.
Both men survived, but Bai’s back was broken.
Bai joked that he “fell into” his veterans’ services career.
“I planned to make a 20-year career out of the Marine Corps,” Bai said. “Clearly that didn’t happen. I didn’t have to stop serving. I get to speak ‘veteran’ every day, and I get to help people every day. I get a haircut just like I used to.”
Keynote speaker was Marine 1st Sgt. Jim Cote, and several others were honored for their service as well.
“I know that your presence here today speaks volumes, and that commitment is what will drive us forward,” Cote said. “Together, I ask that you ensure that every veteran feels valued, supported and cherished.”
You can watch the entire ceremony on NewTV’s Youtube channel.
Check out these photos from the event.
