Wayland Public Ceremonies Committee Hosts Veteran Day Ceremony

WAYLAND, MA — Wayland’s Annual Veterans Day Ceremony was held last weekend at the Wayland War Memorial and featured keynote speaker Mark Swanke.

More is included in this press release from Wayland’s Public Ceremonies Committee:

The Wayland Public Ceremonies Committee hosted Wayland’s Annual Veterans Day Ceremony on Saturday, November 11, 2023, at 11:00 AM at the Wayland War Memorial. Purple Heart recipient, Richard P. Turner, USN RET, was the Master of Ceremonies for this year’s event.

The program began with a performance of the National Anthem, sung by Wayland native, Victoria Gitten. The Posting of the Colors and Pledge of Allegiance was led by Wayland Boy Scout Troop 1, Cub Scout Pack 1 and the Girl Scouts.

An Invocation was given by Reverand Tom Petter of Trinitarian Congregational Church of Wayland.

This year’s Keynote Address was given by Wayland resident Mark Swanke. Swanke joined the Air Force in July 1978 and served as a jet engine mechanic on F-16 fighter aircraft. He was on active duty for four years, achieving the rank of E4 and Sergeant. Swanke is currently a Captain and pilot for Delta Airlines.

The Keynote Address was followed by the presentation of Wayland’s Freedom Prize. This year’s Freedom Prize recipient is Grant Lee, a 2023 graduate of Wayland High School who is now serving and studying at West Point Academy with the US Army. The parents of Grant Lee received the award and spoke on behalf of their son, as Lee is currently serving in active-duty status. Mr. Lee remarked that his son was inspired by his grandfather to serve.

The names of those that appear on Wayland’s Veteran Memorial – who paid the ultimate sacrifice for the Town of Wayland and their country – were read by Alexander Irwin, a junior at Wayland High School. The reading was followed by the American Legion Post# 133 Rifle Salute, a wreath-laying ceremony, and the playing of Echo Taps by members of the Wayland High School Band.

Wayland’s Veterans Day Ceremony concluded with a veteran’s luncheon in the large conference room at Wayland Town Hall.