BOSTON — Memorial Day 2020 is going to look like no other Memorial Day we have ever seen.
The COVID-19 crisis, and its social distancing restrictions, has forced the cancellation of treasured Memorial Day traditions of parades, ceremonies, and speeches.
But our veterans and their sacrifices will not be forgotten.
On June 6, D-Day, Disabled and Limbless Veterans, Inc. will hold a Food For Veterans food drive in Dedham from 1 pm.- to 3 p.m. The group is hoping to stage the event in the High Street rear parking lot near Dedham District Court.
"They’re the forgotten heroes, they really are, and all those who have passed,” Disabled and Limbless Veterans Founder and Vietnam War Vet Mike McNulty said.
And already the group is receiving donations.
Local businessman Ebi Masalehdan recently bought two half pallets of nonperishables he is donating to the Food for Vets Drive.
He hopes to pick up more, soon.
“It’s a little thing we can do for them to reimburse for their sweat, blood, and tears,” Masalehdan said. “I’ve known a lot of veterans in my lifetime and I appreciate, honestly, from the bottom of my heart all they’ve done for their country, and their families.”
Last January, I worked with Disabled and Limbless Vets to tell you the story of John DeGraff, a Navy Veteran living in the woods of Boston for ten years in a homemade tent, made of plastic tarps.
>> Homeless vet now has roof over his head
The group found John and contacted me. John now has a permanent home.
Dom Marcellino, President of Disabled and Limbless Veterans, and also a Vietnam veteran tells me John’s story is sadly not so unusual.
Many veterans in need, he tells me, won’t seek help on their own. That’s why this food drive is so important.
“Veterans are proud people, they don’t want to ask. They’re survivors and they want to survive on their own,” Marcellino told me.
This Food For Vets event is one of many Disabled and Limbless Vets will hold in support of its mission.
In fact, many things the group does, are done quietly, without any publicity. The Dedham drive will be a proud moment.
The Food for Veterans Food Drive is open to any veteran, but veterans must register first.
To register, or to donate food for the event, contact Mike McNulty at 617.733.0261 or visit their website here.
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