Beverly Veterans Committee In The Works

BEVERLY, MA – Beverly has frequently looked to its veterans for input on memorials and ceremonies, and that relationship may soon be formalized.

Last week, the concept of a Veterans Advisory Committee was presented to City Council and referred to committee. The proposed ordinance is expected to go back before City Council at the next full meeting.

Beverly Chief of Staff Kevin Harutunian said the ordinance also creates a veterans grave caretaker position to formally look after and help identify the resting places of local veterans. The advisory committee would also be consulted on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Park at Ellis Square.

"It’s really special," said Harutunian of the proposal. "We’ve got a very vibrant veteran community in Beverly, and we want to make sure we recognize them and they have a formal place at the table in city government."

In the ordinance's current form, the Veterans Advisory Committee would be a 13-member body, including the caretakers position and the veterans services officer. The majority of the committee would be made up of veterans.

"I would like to thank all the veterans and civilians who helped us craft the language and who have been a huge support to the administration," said Harutunian. "It’s been a very good collaboration between all those parties, and we really do appreciate all that hard work."

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