HANSON – Just two hours before a time of celebration New Year’s Eve, two local men were rescued from the icy waters of Maquan Pond — both found semi conscious and clinging to an overturned canoe.

Hanson Fire Chief Jerome Thomspon said the two men who were still in the hospital as of Wednesday were barely able to communicate when first responders reached them Tuesday night.

Between the time of the 911 calls at 10:35 p.m. for reported “yells  for help” coming from the pond, and the time the firefighters made contact with the men, they had already been in the  ice-covered pond for a half hour.

Firefighters in survival suits deployed an ice rescue sled as they made their way over the ice in darkness however, their boat could not break through the tricky, deceptive thickness of the ice, which made the rescue challenging.

Broken chunks of ice were visible and an overturned canoe that floated inland on Wednesday could be seen wedged off shore behind the Needles Lodge.

The men, who are 50 and 33, are reportedly residents in Hanson but have not been identified by authorities. There has been no clarification on why the men were out in the small craft in the late, frosty night.

Thompson, who praised the efforts of all the responders on Thursday, had emphasized Hanson Fire Department members drill annually in ice rescue and, despite the preparation, each circumstance can be different.

“Any type of rescue is labor intensive,” he said. “It was a coordinated effort – with a positive outcome.”

Both men were transported to South Shore Hospital in Pembroke ambulances suffering from exposure. A Whitman ambulance was called to stand by, and evaluated the firefighters that performed the rescue. Fire personnel were assisted at the scene by Hanson Police.

HANSON — A Star Wars Symposium was held at the Hanson Public library on Dec. 28 with several local families and Star Wars aficionados gathering for a visit over winter vacation.

Peter Struzziero, a “Star Wars” buff since childhood, brought his collection of toys dating back to the first trilogy, which began in 1977. He joked that the toys were out of the boxes, which may have disturbed a fanatical fan. The group was gifted with time and touch for each of the visitors. Exploring and handling the collection of toys in a form of a movable museum was all things “Star Wars.” Struzziero shared his knowledge with ages ranging from five to 55.

He presented memes and humorous videos in a short introduction poking fun at both himself and other enthusiasts that have every toy and collectors dream cabinet full with Star Wars-related memorabilia … but they never free any of it from its original packaging.

During the movie clips, the toys from Struzziero’s collection appeared to take on different shapes and colors as the lights were lowered. The children laughed hysterically over YouTube Lego  and cat related Star Wars humor.

Struzziero fired trivia at some of the teens, who could recite nearly entire portions of the epic space opera.

Their vast knowledge was impressive and they provided explanations that solved or at least debated the trivia answers.

Will Clements, 11, of Hanson donning an X Wing Star Fighter helmet and later was seen in a harmless lightsaber duel.  He attended with his father and they talked with other enthusiasts about which movies they saw and will be seeing in re-runs and new on demand releases.

Danny, 4, and Ryan, 6,  Delue of Hanson along with their three sisters all attended the symposium with their mom.

They were in costumes and played with each of the loose figurines along with the Skowyra brothers of Whitman.

Matthew, 5, was Darth Vador and his brother Zack, 7, was a storm trooper and with help from his mom tried on the matching helmet from Struzziero’s collection.

Matt Lawson, 12, of Hanson wore a Chewbacca mask as he watched the movie with John Goodrow, 15, also of Hanson.   The pair laughed at similar parts of the memes.  Richard Goodrow father of John said he didn’t really get in to the “Star Wars” phenomena until the movie Rogue one from 2016.

The pair now shares a common interest however John could easily play mind tricks on his father with his intense, endless facts on “Star Wars” characters, creatures, and galactic battles.

When this reporter confessed that she did not know anything about the “Star Wars” sagas there was a gasp and then silence fell over the room.

It was the perfect time to learn …and until next time “May the Force be with you!”

HANOVER — Chris Herren, who once wore a Celtics jersey, lost every dime he ever earned to his drug habits. As a former American national basketball player who also played on various teams overseas, he stood before the entire school last week at South Shore Tech to tell his story.

Herren described his longing to taste that “item” that had such an immense hold on his dad — he wondered how that little can of beer could be so powerful that it made his mother cry and was crumbling  the family life around him.

As a curious teen he tried beer behind the shed of his house where he got caught and promised his mother he would never do it again. But addiction took hold and rapidly escalated  until pills, and eventually heroin owned him.

In the clutches of the opioid epidemic Herren he was in a fight with  the devil as he tried over and over to detox and stay clean but it eventually took another downward spiral with overdoses and the continuous cycle ensued.

He was an open book for the students, sharing all the details of his recovery and sobriety, chronicling details of his lowest of lows.

He recounted the biggest moments in life when he still  purchased drugs only hours after his baby was born; his wife still in the hospital from her delivery. He returned to heroin to get high.

He described his behavior, his need to get a fix at all costs even playing in the NBA high on drugs, on which he was dependent on emotionally and physically.

Herren’s presentation began with a short film that  highlighted his career both the rise and fall with interviews from his coaches and how he over the years made his new mission to speak in his rawest form, to share his story with thousands in his 11 years in sobriety — to give hope to others that sobriety was possible.

He appeared to have so much but there was no way his confident façade could hide his inner demons, he said.

It became visible that his drug use was taking over and cost him his basketball career — he was labeled a “risk” for teams to sign. He had a few opportunities that brought him back to the game again, but he blew those chances with time, as well.

Herren spoke intentionally, confessing and evoking conversation on the same level in the room of an intensely focused audience.

Teachers and students became emotional, tears streaming down faces of those who listened to Herren. The obvious energy palpable as high schoolers fidgeted and tapped their feet lightly on the floor, nervously shifting in their seats. In expression of grief friends hugged one another in the gymnasium at the hour-long assembly.

Herren also touched on topics of self-harm and mental health, both he had experienced in hearing from teens who reached out to him in the past and understood that addiction begins somewhere else first in most situations.

After falling time and time again, he said he realized after telling his own story that many  youngsters  had stories of their own — critical for healing to both the younger generation and himself.

Herren acknowledged that a conversation such as his is a difficult one, but as he told his story he also reminded students and staff that — with no exception —they each had a hand in helping sometimes just listening was the beginning step.

Failure to address the epidemic and sweeping it under the rug was not an option. He encouraged communication and talk about the need for facilitation, services and helping one another.

In wrapping up his story Herren wondered aloud how many kids in the room knew a friend or family member who was struggling and didn’t know how to help. It was clear by the reactions that the drug and alcohol epidemic has spread far and wide in our communities.

Knowing beer is a driving force behind his father’s alcoholism he said he is aware that he will get a call someday that his dad has drank himself to his own death. He had already prepared in his mind that the day would come.

Answering a student’s question on what the one most regretful act during his drug use was Herren recalled not being able to keep his promises.

He was unable to keep his pledge of sobriety to his mother — she passed away before he gained a clean lifestyle. She never got to see him drug-free.

With question and answers at the culmination of the assembly Herren only received a few questions in front of the crowd — but the moment he turned off the microphone and stepped in to the rows of chairs he was hugged and tapped on the shoulder by dozens of students who approached him.

Murmurs and parts of conversations could be heard as he commended each student with a hug or high five just a moment of caring and he had a positive comment for each of them.

The students and staff had counselors available all day following the presentation.

Chris Herren has built a community around substance use prevention and recovery. He has shown us that even the best can falter, and even the most desperate can rise. An author, motivational speaker and wellness advocate, Herren has founded three organizations that provide programs and services with the goal of overcoming setbacks and navigating life’s challenges, according to his website. To read more about Chris Herren and his recovery, wellness programs and speaking engagements visit chrisherren.com.

WHITMAN — Getting down to the wire with wrapping and rushing to meet the holiday deadlines, many families took a break this weekend to slow down and share in free events offered by Whitman Recreation and to give back at the Whitman Police, through the annual Stuff-A-Cruiser event.

The Recreation party was a family friendly experience with crafts, face painting and other activities held at the Town Hall on Saturday with a visit from the big guy himself.

Photos were welcomed with Santa who read many lists from all the children.

A family movie night was also held with snacks and a showing of the movie “Polar Express” in the Town Hall Auditorium later in the day.

The week before Christmas is full of activity for Whitman Area Toy Drive as the group planned to assist local families — aiding some 500 families by season’s end.

Co-organizers Donnie Westhaver and Jane Plasse, who started Whitman Area Toy Drive to aid those in need 19 years ago said they  have seen an increase in need from years past.

Paul Colgate also a partner of the Whitman Area Toy Drive now in his fourth year came aboard with the organization after seeing the difference the collaboration was creating for people in hardship.

“I thought what they were doing is incredible and I have stayed ever since,” said Colgate who was accepting boxed toys.

With an influx of traffic through the parking lot, many families were pulling up to drop bags off and helpers were placing them in the backs of the two Whitman cruisers. At the end of the event the collection filled six cruisers to the roof.

Families who dropped in to also meet Santa were treated to light refreshments, cocoa and coffee served with a stuffed animal gift, which was given to the littlest ones in return for their kindheartedness. It was cold and breezy but thoughtfulness warmed the air.

Officers Dave Hickey and Kevin Harrington who along with other officers also had their families along to assist said during the event that it was going “awesome.”

Tillman the dog tried to assist with the toy donations with his owner Officer Hickey but he was too distracted by the crumbs from the sweets – he did, however, give plenty of kisses to everyone who greeted him as a thank you for the donations.

Julia Harrington, a senior at Whitman Hanson who is planning on majoring in forensic biology next fall, has attended the event for the last three years and volunteers with her father.

She said she is happy to see the difference the event makes and plans to return from college next year to attend.

“Giving kids the toys they may not be able to afford on Christmas… it means a lot,” she said.

In collaboration with the food pantry Westhaver said

They are planning to assist 500 families total from this event with a holiday meal and gifts.

The requests for toys this year included an increase in craft items and science-themed games and toys. Plasse posted a thank you message on social media on behalf of the Whitman Area Toy Drive.

Plasse extended her gratitude for the Sunday event, which was held at the Whitman police department parking lot.

“I would like to say thank you for everyone’s generosity … to our community,” she said. “With everyone’s help, we filled six cruisers with new unwrapped toys and gift cards for the older kids. These donations will help many families have a nice Christmas this year. I would also like to say a special Thank You to Kevin Harrington and Dave Hickey for putting on this annual event for the past four years to benefit the Whitman Area Toy Drive. Without this event many families would not be having a nice Christmas. I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

HANSON — Residents kicked off the holiday season on Saturday, Dec. 7 by breaking bread — er, pancakes, — with Santa Claus at Camp Kiwanee; thanking volunteers who aid the town’s seniors; and lighting the night sky with fireworks and the town’s Christmas tree.

Hanson Fire apparatus also represented the town and Wyman’s Nursery, which provided wreaths for the engines, in the East Bridgewater Holiday parade Saturday morning.

The volunteers who drive seniors to medical appointments, deliver Meals on Wheels, work the reception desk, and help with the supportive adult day program, sing in the senior chorus, among other projects, were invited to a luncheon at the center Saturday afternoon. A catered meal, with cake was enjoyed while Warren Phillips performed Christmas favorites. Each volunteer received a holiday card signed by the center staff and a pocket planning calendar.

“It’s so wonderful to have you all,” Senior Center Director Mary Collins said. “Take a look around, you are the most important people in this center, I want you to know that. Without you, we would never be able to make it.”

Collins thanked the volunteers for their work on behalf of the staff.

“When I think of my family, I do think of all of you and you make a difference in my life.”

The day was capped off by the town’s seventh annual Holiday Fest on the Town Hall Green.

Craft tables hosted by event co-sponsor Sullivan Funeral Homes and the Hanson PTO provided families with personalized keepsake ornaments and picture frames for the photos with Santa taken by Hanson firefighters.

“It does get a little easier,” Holiday Committee Chairman Steve Amico said of the planning. “What happens is, it all seems to fall together. We have a good corps of people.”

Fire Chief Jerome Thompson, Deputy Chief Robert O’Brien Jr., and Lt. Charles Barends, Police Chief Michael Miksch and Lt. Mike Casey, School Committee chairman Bob Hayes, Amanda Hauck of Sullivan Funeral Homes, Kevin Dykes of the Highway Department, and pastors Kris Skjerli of Calvary Baptist Church and Peter Smith of the Hanson Congregational Church have all been instrumental in planning the event, Amico said.

“Pastor Kris has been unbelievable for the past several years, putting the restaurants together,” he said.

Participating restaurants in town, included Mike’s House of Pizza, The Olde Hitching Post, Meadow Brook Restaurant, Domino’s Pizza and others. The Hanson Kiwanis Club teamed with the Rockland-Hanson Rotary to provide hot chocolate that patrons could add to at a cocoa bar. The Hanson 200 Committee sold souvenir items at a pop-up store in the Nathaniel Thomas Mill, with proceeds going to fund next year’s 200th anniversary celebration of Hanson’s founding.

“We’re going to be joining together with them for the 200th anniversary next Christmas,” Amico said.

Santa received a police and fire escort through traffic, arriving to light the town’s Christmas tree and pose for photos with kids of all ages before a fireworks display capped off the event.

Whitman gets into the holiday spirit next week with the Recreation Department’s annual Christmas party starting at 1 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 14 at Town Hall. “Polar Express” will be screened at 1 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 15 at the VFW on Essex Street.

By Austin J. Schofield
Express correspondent

The presidential race isn’t the only area seeing Democratic primaries in 2020. In the Massachusetts 8th Congressional District, engineer Brianna Wu is challenging incumbent U.S. Rep. Stephen Lynch for the party’s nomination. The Express recently spoke with Wu to ask her about herself and her campaign.

Q: Where are you from?

A: “I’m from Mississippi, but I’ve lived all over. I’ve lived in D.C., I’ve lived in Mississippi, I’ve spent a lot of time in Colorado, I’ve lived in Silicon Valley – where I got married.”

Q: What would you say your main background is in?

A: “I think it would be generally in tech start-ups, as I’ve started three throughout my career so far. Traditionally, however, I am trained as an engineer, and my specialty is graphical subsystems – so Vulkan, OpenGL, OpenCL, and so on.”

Q: So, you are formally trained as an engineer, and you’ve also worked in the tech industry establishing start-ups. Where did the interest in politics come into play?

A: “Well, I was adopted into a family of extremely right-wing republicans who were hyper-political. I grew up on a diet of Rush Limbaugh, Fox and others to a ridiculous degree. My father was a lieutenant commander in the navy — he used that career to break away from a life of poverty in Mississippi — and so my family had the kind of politics you would expect of someone from Mississippi of that generation. Therefore, I always had that interest in politics, but it was around the time that, frankly, George Bush started sending my friends off to die in Iraq — that really changed me.”

Q: What motivates your primary challenge of Stephen Lynch?

A: “I have been angry at Stephen Lynch for a long time. I think he is fundamentally out of step on Massachusetts’ values. I urge you to look into why he got into politics in Massachusetts in the first place. It was because he was angry at gay people for participating in the St. Patrick’s Day parade. In the ’80s, he got drunk and assaulted some Iranian students who were protesting American policies. [The Boston Globe reported in 2001 that the charges in the incident were dropped and that Lynch had struggled with alcohol abuse at the time. Fifty-two American hostages were held hostage in Iran from Nov. 4, 1979 to Jan. 20, 1981 leading to a great deal of anti-Iranian fervor in the U.S. — editor]

For a long time, I have been frustrated with Lynch and the leadership he has shown. I think that, in the Trump era, that disappointment in even more morbid. I’ll give an example; we have an ad out today that is of Stephen Lynch literally yelling at the constituent asking him to do something on impeachment. He’s like, ‘yeah, yeah, it’s not going to work, you’re just going to get him reelected.’ So I feel like there is fundamentally a leadership vacuum here in District 8, and if you go and compare that to Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey, such amazing leaders, and then we have this guy that seems so out of step with everything we stand for. I can accept that he has less progressive social policies than most people, but what I can’t accept is the feckless leadership style that he enacts. If there’s a fight to be had, Stephen Lynch is not the person who’s going to fight.”

Q: Where do you part on specific issues?

A: “I think women’s’ rights is a very big one. Stephen Lynch, for the longest time, was anti-women’s’ reproductive health care access — he stood against that forever. He was against it and then he tried to run for senate and lost, and that’s when he changed his view. I’ve been dead solid consistent on this. I don’t just say I believe in women’s rights. I’ve had bricks thrown through my window for women’s rights. I’ve gone up against the worst figures in the Republican party over women’s rights. I’ve had to get Katherine Clark to intercede with the FBI for me over my position on women’s rights during Gamergate. So, that’s something that I feel very strongly about.

“I also think there’s this. There’s a teacher strike in Dedham, as we speak, because their healthcare costs are so out of control that even in an affluent neighborhood, teachers aren’t being paid enough to get healthcare. Stephen Lynch has failed, fundamentally, at bringing money from DC back to Massachusetts. We pay far more than we get back. So when our roads are crumbling, you need to ask, where are our Department of Transportation grants? When our T is literally catching on fire, my question is, where is Mass. and our fair share of that federal money? He has not been effective at bringing money back to the district because he is not willing to fight.”

Q: Where do you feel Rep. Lynch has fallen short?

A: “I think that’s one of the big ones. There are many on social policy, and its also important to say that, for all of Lynch’s talk about unions, unions are far worse off today in our state than they were when he was elected. Participation in unions is down 4 percent in just the last few years. Its plummeted. And take National Grid — how long were those guys out there protesting in the cold last year? A really long time. I was out there — I never saw him; so I think Stephen Lynch has marketed himself very effectively as a pro-union guy but when you look at the reality, its not there.”

Q: Lynch is a former president in the IronWorkers union. How do you view what he has done for these workers? What is your view on them?

A: He takes it for granted. I think a lot of these battles, he doesn’t show up. My team and I were with Stop & Shop workers during their strike. Was Stephen Lynch there? I didn’t see him. He sat that one out. I’ve never seen him out with National Grid, or with the hotel workers striking in downtown Boston. He sure wasn’t at that teachers rally in his own district just a few weeks ago. So, this is what I would say. Steelworkers are incredibly important, and I want to have their back, but, we need to look at where Massachusetts is today. The top two fields, as far as revenue, in Massachusetts are Biotech and Tech. And we are having very serious talks in both of these fields about our need to unionize and I am working with those people day in and day out on those unionization measures. When it comes to media, I sure have never seen Stephen Lynch on twitter talking about Vox’s union. I know the leaders for that rwally well. So, my dream for union participation in district 8 is: I don’t think we need to be separating Vox media people and steel workers. We are all in this together and I think white collar tech workers need to get over the elitism that makes us think we don’t need to stand with teachers and other kinds of workers. I think when it comes to working on wider issues for the wider 21st century economy, Stephen Lynch has fundamentally failed.”

Q: What are the most important issues facing the 8th District in your view?

A: “Basically, there are two buckets. There’s the kitchen table, economic discussions that keep a lot of families awake at night. I am a software engineer and my husband is one of the senior IP people at a major Biotech company. We just managed to afford a house this year. That’s how expensive it is. There are spiraling health care costs. Stephen Lynch wouldn’t even vote for Obamacare, much less more aggressive measures. He’s not there. As far as people in this district, I am talking economic issues that focus on them like a laser.

“The other bucket is a grand vision of where Massachusetts is going to be 100 years from now, and this is where I am ridiculously qualified to take us. Stephen Lynch is flat out terrible on tech and biotech issues — this is my field; this is my husbands’ field. So, when we are talking about bringing tech and biotech jobs into the state, one of the things that really disturbs me about Massachusetts is, we spend all this money on education, as we should, but we are a brain drain state. People come here and attend college, and then they go back to Silicon Valley or New York or Austin, Texas and they take those skills elsewhere. That is because our leaders in this state have failed to keep start-ups and talent in this state, starting the companies of the 21st century. I know how to get us there, and Stephen Lynch doesn’t.”

Q: Lynch chairs the Joint Committee on Commerce and Labor. What committee assignments would you aspire to if elected?

A: “There is a committee in congress right now that is not being taken as seriously as it should be; that is the science, space and technology committee. This committee controls patents, it controls communication standards, it controls encryption standards, it controls a wide array of tech standards and we are embarrassingly ignoring this committee. When we think of Facebook and their negligence causing our democracy to be damaged immensely – that is something that this committee has the power to regulate. There’s a videogame called ‘Total Spectrum Warfare,’ and the idea behind this game is that the wars of the 21 century are not fought with guns and bullets and bombs and missiles, they’re fought by controlling an enemy’s economics, their power system, their shipping infrastructure, their media infrastructure, their water infrastructure – this is where the U.S. is vulnerable. You could take out power to a majority of this country if you were to aim a missile at a very particular two-mile area of our power grid, and we don’t have a plan for that. It is a fact that Russians hacked our nuclear powerplants. We don’t have a plan for that. So, when it comes to the kinds of wars and attacks on our democracy in the 21st century, I am serious about being on the forefront of that committee addressing it.

“We have a role to play in the U.S. safeguarding our democracy. I come from Mississippi. We had more people serving per capita than any other state in America. I saw a lot of my friends die in Iraq and when I think of all the brave men and women that have given their lives so that we can vote, it makes me furious to see Congress failing to safeguard our elections in common sense ways. We have got to take this seriously, and Stephen Lynch is fundamentally a part of that problem.”

Q: Before we wrap up, is their anything else you’d like to touch on?

A: “Yes. The demographics in this district have changed immensely since he was elected just after 2000. Please understand how he got elected. We were attacked on 911 and he was a part of the backlash against that and in that moment, we went with the most conservative choice. Stephen Lynch’s base has traditionally been South Boston, so when you look at what this district looks like today, almost 20 years later, what are the differences? It’s much younger, it’s more diverse racially – Asian voters are almost 11percent of our district the last time I looked. We have areas like Brockton that are fundamentally falling apart. He’s not there. Stephen Lynch has kept power by focusing on this one small area of district 8, which is massive. We’re going to go out there, we’re going to talk to the people in Brockton that don’t even know who Stephen Lynch is because he never shows up. We’re going to talk to them and win their vote. The truth is, Stephen Lynch has taken the seat for granted for a long time and it’s time he had a real fight.”

By Stephanie Spyropoulos
and Tracy F. Seelye
Express staff

WHITMAN — Gratitude and a positive attitude is what the Conley Elementary School gathered to celebrate this week as the Thanksgiving holiday approaches in their recent assembly.

On Saturday, Nov. 23, that spirit of giving found W-H student athletes, members of the Whitman Police Department and members of the community volunteered to help serve Thanksgiving dinner to about 360 seniors from Whitman and surrounding towns at the Whitman Knights of Columbus.

Conley School also collectively gathered a donation to present to the Whitman Animal Shelter for $1,000. The highest ever in the Conley School, which by the jaw drops — students could not believe themselves — that their spare change had such grand accumulation over the last months.

Principal Karen Downey assisted by fifth-grade student Destin Rodriquez held the check and took a peek at the total before they announced their final amount.

The school has gathered their coins and cans with full meals to serve approximately 30 families in need in the Whitman area. Volunteers from the Whitman Food Pantry accepted donations and thanked the Conley students and staff.

In celebration of the season and giving to those in need the community at Conley left the cafeteria with both teachers, and students feeling blessed and thankful with a palpable feeling of excitement and positive energy.

Several students read from gratitude lists, which they created in conjunction with their classroom time and lessons. The students also assisted in presenting the baskets to the Whitman Food Pantry, which were then loaded into cars to take to the pantry in time for the holiday.

The K of C served up roast turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, winter squash, peas and onions, and a dinner roll plus dessert for the 47th year.

“The first one was in 1972,” said Whitman Council on Aging Director Barbara Garvey. “I couldn’t be here because I was graduating from Abington High School.”

Garvey noted the seniors were dining with more than 350 others as a “nice time to make new friends and visit old friends.”

“The members of the Whitman Knights of Columbus have always been very kind and generous to this community as a whole and, in particular, to our seniors,” Garvey said. “They and their volunteers give countless hours of their time, effort and resources not only today, but through the entire year to make this undertaking possible. It’s massive, as you can see.”

Garvey thanked the K of C and all the volunteers on behalf of the Whitman Council on Aging and all those attending Saturday’s dinner.

The Rev. Robert Collen led the blessing before the volunteers served it in nine minutes and 36 seconds.

FE-LINE FINE: Tommy Pelton, 4, of Hanson ran to get a quick hug from children’s book character ‘Pete the Cat,’ above, during the annual open house at the Hanson Public Library, Saturday, Nov. 16. Madison Harding, 3, was awestruck when she saw Pete the Cat walk in the room. See more photos, page 11.                                                                  

WHITMAN — The streets were lined with hundreds of locals from all over the South Shore Monday, Nov. 11 — many whom had relatives marching in the 66th annual Tri-Town Veteran’s Day Parade. This year’s parade hosted by Whitman was dedicated in honor of the 75 Anniversary of the Poppy — made famous by the poem “In Flanders Fields,” about the sacrifices made in the war.

The towns of Whitman, Abington and Rockland joined together to honor those who served and those who were lost.

Multiple generations were represented along the route. Youngsters waved flags and many marched in time as decorated soldiers and military groups passed by the viewing stand.

WWII veterans were mixed among those who served more recently, with each branch of military represented. An oversized flag flew over the start of the parade route by the Whitman Post Office as attendees remembered the fallen.

One family who celebrated their lineage in Whitman had four generations represented at the Veteran’s Parade.

Lillian Morgan, 98, of Whitman a Marine widow was tucked in with a heavy blanket in her wheelchair as she held an American flag. She donned a white ascot belonging to her late husband of 74 years Marine John J. Morgan Jr.  He served on a ship at Guadalcanal, according to his daughter Maggie Adams.

Adams walked a portion of the parade route pushing her mother to allow her a glimpse of her great-grandkids that were in the parade.

Along with Morgan’s granddaughter Julia Nanigian and her great-granddaughter Scarlett, the pair accounted for four generations at the Parade.

They made their way through the Colebrook Cemetery to view a service project by great granddaughter Scarlett’s Brownie troupe but  the terrain proved too bumpy for her chair.

Whitman Brownie Troupe 82685 had taken on a community project to upkeep a grave of a veteran and they were given the site of Medal of Honor recipient Lt. John R. Fox who served in WW II, and was killed in action on Dec., 26, 1944.

Following the parade, two of the families including troupe leader Christine Hadden and her daughter Nora Hadden, 7, stopped to see the shined and weed-free grave at the Colebrook Cemetery.

Michelle Roy and her daughter Clara, 7, pointed out some of the areas that were cleared including the special addition of a headstone that appeared in the last few months for Lt. Fox’s widow Arlene Marrow Fox who died on Dec. 11, 2015. (The group believes that a family member of Fox had the headstone placed over the summer).

Learning history on Fox, the Brownies shared how they felt about volunteering for the  cleanup Clara said she knew Fox was “really special” and explained the reason why the group painted rocks to spell the word hero, which they left over the top of the headstone.

She said they used patriotic colors that were also part of the colors of the American flag.

Both girls knew they were a part of something significant and said they were happy to help paint the rocks found at the graveside.

Nora Roy also wanted residents to know that she thought it was special that we celebrate Veteran’s Day every year.

“We celebrate that the people who served –(fought)  so they could save us from danger, ”she said.

The  group of elementary-age students will be cleaning in the spring and their leaders are hoping to get families involved in the project  with weeding and watering the site. They do not want the engraved memorial to become overgrown with moss again.

Every rock that was dug up from around the site was used in the secondary painting project. The painted rocks were formed into a heart shape with the word “Hero” in the center placed over the two headstones.

The before photos proved that the upkeep was necessary and befitting for a hero, and the group was pleased at their abilities to give back

Involving the youngest citizens and teaching them about the Veterans in our country will set the tone for continued involvement for generations to come.

Also along the parade route were scores of athletes representing all the sports teams at Whitman- Hanson Regional High School.

The groups were involved in a community project doing yard clean up for several veterans who needed assistance.

The group collectively agreed  when they finished raking that  participation in the yard work showed appreciation for local veterans.

Athlete Devin Walsh raked out the leaves from Mel Meehan’s yard. He was just one of the nearly 150 students who participated. Noting it was an important way — as a group – that they were giving back in a small way to those veterans who served, Walsh said.

Mel  Meehan  served in the  Army in Germany and has been a resident of Kendrick Street for nearly two decades. He was a recipient of lawn care by the WH athletics community service. He and his wife are caregivers for two grandsons; Logan, 7, who has special needs and Dustin, 5.

Veteran’s Agent Tom McCarthy, who stopped in to talk with families and thank Meehan for his service said he had an unbelievable feeling of gratitude when he heard that the W-H athletes not only supported the veterans at the morning parade but they were creating a community support project to give back, he said.

At the VFW in Whitman he shared the story with other veterans and he said the reaction was the same.

“They left a strong impression… by giving in such a meaningful way and coming up with the project on their own … made it even more special,” said McCarthy.

He was able to find several families in Whitman and Hanson who were in need for the yard clean-up and raking. McCarthy also credited the positive influences of W-H Athletic Director Bob Rodgers, who assisted with organizing where the students would be most needed.

Victoria Carlton a senior at Whitman Hanson said each team got assigned one yard.

‘’We had a huge turnout. We are all grateful that a lot of people attended,” she said on behalf of the yard full of fellow athletes many still catching their breath from raking.

Town officials, including selectmen, police and fire officials and former state Rep. Geoff Diehl also marched in Monday’s parade.