Seekonk Celebrates Veterans Day at Town Hall

"Real heroes don’t wear capes; they wear dog tags.”

That was the sentiment shared Friday at as Seekonk paid tribute to area veterans who have sacrificed so much in the name of freedom.

Seekonk resident and retired Marine Dr. Gil Woodside, who served in Vietnam, joined fellow Marine and Director of Veterans Services in Seekonk, Seth Bai, in praising the veterans of older generations as heroes — those who served in the Korean War and World War II.

“We’re standing here today because of men and women putting on a uniform and serving,” said Woodside.

Woodside also led the ceremony in prayer and recited the 23rd Psalm, which includes the line “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,” which was commonly written on the helmets of soldiers in Vietnam.

Another Vietnam veteran, Thomas “Doc” Rubel, received a citation from state Rep. Steve Howitt for his service to the veterans of Seekonk.

“He’s my thermometer, he lets me know the pulse of the Seekonk veterans,” said Bai.

Ed Wiseman, of the Seekonk Elks, shared two poems he had memorized for the occasion; one was from a World War I veteran who lost his sight and hearing from a tank shell explosion, and another was from a World War II veteran who lost is leg in battle.

Selectman Francis Cavaco also read a poem at the ceremony, this one by a local veteran who wrote it in appreciation of Bai.

“He has my deepest respect; he is the veterans’ man. One thing you can sure of, he does for veterans all that he can,” read part of the poem.

Also taking part in the ceremony were the local Girl Scout Troop 406, who led the assembled crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance and the Brass Band, which performed "The Star Spangled Banner," "God Bless America," and a collection of the marches of the various armed forces.

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