By Geena Monahan—For the North Star Reporter
With gratitude, remembrance and a sense of community pride, residents and officials from North Attleborough and Plainville came together on Tuesday, Nov. 11, to honor the men and women who have served in the armed forces.
Pastor Dave Meunier of Plainville Baptist Church opened the ceremony with a prayer, followed by a performance from the North Attleborough High School band. Meunier thanked those who dedicated themselves to serving the country, and acknowledged the sacrifices of veterans and their families.
Town Manager Michael Borg attended the ceremony alongside District Director of Veterans Services Scott Smith, Plainville Board of Selectmen Chair Brian Kelly, State Rep. Adam Scanlon and several other local officials.
“The courage and the sacrifice of our veterans is the foundation upon which our republic was built,” said Kelly. “Today we honor those brave men and women of the [armed] forces for their commitment.”
Borg, a retired U.S. Army Colonel, said the decision to serve was “absolutely worth it,” both then and now.
“We gather here today to thank those who served, and remind ourselves of the remarkable legacy of that service that began nearly two and a half centuries ago,” said Borg.
Command Sgt. Major Gregg Yanchuk of the 79th Troop Command delivered an emotional keynote address, reminding attendees of the history and meaning of Veterans Day.
“I’ve seen a lot in this uniform over the years – I’ve been to places which were not on my bucket list and found myself in situations I never would have imagined, both good and bad,” said Yanchuk.
Remembering a local hero
Following the ceremony, officials and community members gathered at the Fisher Street bridge for a dedication honoring Airman First Class Jeffrey Plante, who died in 2002 while serving overseas.
Town Councilor Dan Donovan called Jeffrey Plante a “son of North Attleborough” and spoke of how, as a child growing up in the area, Jeffrey crossed this very bridge countless times.
“He was one of our own – a North Attleborough High School graduate, a Sun Chronicle All-Star, and someone who carried the work ethic and heart of this community wherever he went,” said Donovan.
Christopher Plante addressed the crowd, recalling the pride he felt when his brother served abroad in the Persian Gulf and England.
“Now, we have this bridge – for Jeffrey – to serve as a permanent symbol of gratitude for current and future generations,” said Christopher Plante.
A new plaque was unveiled at the end of the dedication to officially rename the bridge the Jeffrey R. Plante Memorial Bridge as loved ones looked on.
“We know freedom is not free, and without people like him – and the many other veterans like him – we wouldn’t be able to gather here today,” said Scanlon.