Haverhill City Councilors on Tuesday highlighted several key events that take place over the next week.
National Vietnam War Veterans Day
The annual Vietnam War Veterans ceremony takes place, rain or shine, Friday, March 28, beginning at 10 a.m., at Vietnam Veterans Memorial at Mill Brook Park, near the entrance to Plug Pond, off Mill Street in Haverhill.
Councilor Ralph T. Basiliere, named for his uncle, the city’s first Vietnam war casualty, said organizers will have a tent, floral arrangements, coffee and doughnuts, and a trumpeter. He said the event will last approximately 32 minutes “for game time.” Bailliere served as chairman of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Ad Hoc Commission.
Haverhill’s “13,” its Vietnam war casualties are Ralph T. Basiliere, Willard R. Ryan, Arthur P. Williams, James N. Finn, Richard O. DeMaris, Robert P. Schena, William L. Bonnell, John C. Peel, Barry S. Kyle, Frederick Derocher, Michael J. Gambino, William Cahill and Gregory C. Davis.
Northern Essex Community College Day of Giving
Councilors also called attention to Northern Essex Community College’s fourth annual Day of Giving Thursday, April 3.
As WHAV reported previously, the annual Day of Giving is a 24-hour fundraising effort.
“This collective effort is just encouraging folks from our community, whether they be alumni, community members, students and those interested in our community college to give to our NECC fund, which is our unrestricted fund to benefit the students and programs of Northern Essex Community College,” college Director of Alumni Relations and Annual Giving Shana Murrell said.
The fund has recently been used to begin an internship stipend program for students to offset any loss of income or expenses they may incur during their program.
Women’s History Month
A proclamation by Mayor Melinda E. Barrett declared March Women’s History Month.
Councilor Devan M. Ferreira read the proclamation, referenced the contributions of women as leaders in securing their right to suffrage, as well as leaders in the abolitionist, peace, emancipation and industrial labor movements, among others.
“Despite these contributions, the role of American women in history has been consistently overlooked and undervalued, in the literature, teaching and study of American history,” Ferreira read.
With a motion from Councilor Michael S. McGonagle and a second by Councilor Colin LePage, councilors voted unanimously to accept the proclamation. Council Vice President Timothy J. Jordan was absent for the meeting.
In other council news, Ferreria announced that next Monday, March 31, is International Transgender Day of Visibility.
“It’s important to recognize that transgender people are vital members of our community, to honor their resiliency and contributions while also raising awareness of the work still needed to eliminate discrimination, harassment and violence based on gender identity or transgender status,” she said. “I hope on this day and every day, that we as citizens and also elected officials can commit to creating a community where all humans are welcome, safe, seen and respected.”
Since the city has yet to formally recognize the designation, she said it should serve as a “stark reminder of the work ahead of us to truly become an inclusive and welcoming community.”