More than 300 Newton political leaders, veterans, their families and friends came to American Legion Nonantum Post 440 on Veterans Day for the City’s annual ceremony to honor veterans. The federal holiday was originally known as Armistice Day, marking the anniversary of the end of World War I, until Congress renamed it in 1954.
Mayor Ruthanne Fuller, Director of Newton’s Veterans Services Seth Bai, and Post 440 leaders marked the day by honoring all those who have served in the military, among them six honorees from the United States Marines, Army, Coast Guard, and Women’s Auxiliary. Striking an all-inclusive note, Mayor Fuller acknowledged “Americans by birth, and by citizenship, Americans of all races and all backgrounds who throughout our history raised their arm and took the oath so selflessly, honorably, and bravely defend our democracy, defend our freedom, and defend the Constitution of the United States.”
Seth Bai, Newton Veterans Services Officer and master of ceremonies, was among those Mayor Fuller honored. She said Mr. Bai, a former Marine Sergeant “has been working to add the comprehensive provisions of Gov. Maura Healey’s recently passed Massachusetts HEROs Act into additional services and benefits for Newton’s veterans.”
The keynote speaker was former City Councilor Jim Cote, retired 1st Sergeant, who spoke of his initiative to honor and support graduating high school seniors who are planning to make military careers. He urged “the Newton City Council to continue this recognition program for the greater good of the community.” The Newton commendation honoring Mr. Cote’s service notes that he and his four brothers all joined military service. He served in the Marines in various capacities for twenty years, 1975-1995.
Elaine Maxwell Lacoste was a founding member of the American Legion Aldenville Auxiliary Unit #337, attracting hundreds of members, and later a member of the Nonantum Auxiliary Unit Post 440. Quoted in the City’s commendation, she says, “Basically I show up and support what I can, donate some time and other resources.” Ms. Lacoste has been a member of the American Legion Auxiliary for more than 65 years.
Brett Ferolito, a Newton native and 2004 Newton North graduate, served in the United States Army Reserve. After resigning in 2017, he joined the Newton Police Department and became a Community Outreach Officer. Today he works as a Newton Weights and Measures Inspector.
Chief Thomas Muttart enlisted in the Coast Guard in 1991 and served for twenty-three years in several telecommunications assignments.
Charlotte Levine graduated from Newton South High School in 2013. During the course of her army career, she earned many medals and was the first female ground combat officer in the 4th Infantry Division. Now retired from active duty, she continues to volunteer her time for veterans services and advocates for women veterans to be included in graduate programs.
Raymond Roberts, retired United States Army Major, grew up in Newton Upper Falls. After law school, he was deployed to active duty in Vietnam. He spent much of his twelve-year military career in various Judge Advocates Offices.
In addition to the Distinguished Honorees, the ceremony honored three 50-year Post 440 members: Carmen Caira, Michael Mosca, and David Poirier.
After the formal ceremony, many attendees gathered in Post 440’s parking lot, where people signed up to honor the military service of family and friends in a formal “Flag Retirement” ceremony, with small folded flags provided by the Post. Those who asked to participate in the ceremony were escorted by Post 440 members to receive a flag and bring it to the place where it would be burned in the military manner. Mayor Fuller joined the Flag Retirement ceremony, honoring the World War II service of her father.
