(Additional photograph below.)
Haverhill veterans, law enforcement and students gathered in Washington Square Monday to honor veterans and recognize their sacrifices during the city’s annual Veterans Day ceremonies.
Services followed the annual parade that included Haverhill Police Department and Fire Department honor guards, Haverhill Exchange Club and members of the Haverhill High School Junior ROTC, among others.
The ceremony marked the 106th anniversary of the conclusion of the first world war, in which Armistice Day, later replaced by Veterans Day in 1954, was established. American Legion Post 4 Commander Chris Manning opened the ceremony, followed by remarks from Mayor Melinda E. Barrett.
“A tribute like today wouldn’t be possible without Chris and the American Legion, the ROTC and all of the veterans organizations who have partaken, as well as our police and fire department honor guards. We are a very grateful city for all of your sacrifice,” Barrett said.
The mayor’s presentation was followed by a speech given by Junior ROTC Cadet Capt. Janine Alcivar, who was tapped as this year’s guest speaker.
“At the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, the world chose to end war,” she said. “They chose peace. Today, we still remember those that fought for us and we hope to follow in their footsteps [and] remember their sacrifice and their honor,” she told those gathered.
She added, “As time passes and new generations emerge, we hope to honor our country like they did.”
Alcivar was later presented with a $500 scholarship from the American Legion.
Haverhill High School’s Junior ROTC program has previously received national recognition where, for three consecutive years through 2022, the group was selected as a Naval Honor School, one of only 11 that received the designation at the time. It placed the group in the top 20% of Junior ROTC programs in the country.
In 2024, the group were responsible for hosting 9/11 and Prisoner of War/Missing in Action ceremonies and as WHAV reported, some members of the group received citations for outstanding achievement and exceptional leadership.
The Haverhill the Exchange Club displays banners from its fourth annual Hometown Heroes campaign. (WHAV News photograph.)