Nahant Veterans' Services

09/11/2026

I just returned from the Nahant Fire Department’s September 11 Memorial Service.

Thank you to Chief Antrim and our much-appreciated Nahant firefighters for continuing this important tradition of remembrance.

Twenty-five years later, we must never allow time to dull our memory of September 11, 2001.

We remember the nearly 3,000 lives lost, those injured, the first responders who ran toward danger, and the families forever changed. We also remember the generations of service members, veterans, first responders, and families who have carried the impact of that day ever since.

Time gives us perspective, but it should never erase history.

We can learn from the decisions made over the past 25 years while still remembering that September 11 was a deliberate attack on innocent Americans that changed our country and the world.

Those who serve in the military, and many elected and appointed government officials, take an oath to support and defend our Constitution against enemies foreign and domestic. Most of us may never wear the uniform or take that oath, but we still share a responsibility to protect the freedoms, values, and principles generations of Americans have sacrificed to preserve.

Perhaps the best way to honor September 11 is simple:

Remember those we lost.
Honor those who serve and have served—military, fire, police, and first responders.
Learn from history.
Value our freedoms.
And never become complacent.

Never forget.

09/10/2026

Take time in Friday, September 11th to remember. We made a promise to NEVER FORGET.

08/25/2026

Governors Half-Staff Flag Proclamation

Please be advised that as a mark of respect for the memory of Dolly Parton, and in accordance with a Presidential proclamation, Governor Maura T. Healey has ordered the United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag be lowered to half-staff at all state buildings beginning at 6:00PM today, August 25, 2026, and continuing until sunset on September 1, 2026.

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I admit I was initially confused when I received the notification that flags had been ordered to half-staff in honor of Dolly Parton. My first thought was: Why would the passing of an entertainer result in a national half-staff order?

Then I took the time to learn more.

Dolly Parton was much more than a legendary entertainer. For decades, she used her voice, influence and generosity to support America’s service members, veterans and military families through performances, patriotic music, USO programming and literacy efforts for military children.

In 2003, she released the patriotic album *For God and Country* on Veterans Day. Dolly explained her feelings simply:

“I’m not a bit political, but I’m extremely patriotic.”

The following year, she visited McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base in Tennessee, where a KC-135 Stratotanker named “Miss Dolly” was unveiled with her likeness. She signed the aircraft’s nose art and performed for airmen and their families.

After learning about this largely unpublicized part of her life, the tribute feels fitting. Dolly Parton brought joy to millions, but she also understood the importance of honoring those who served and sacrificed.

May she rest in peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends and the countless people whose lives she touched.

Flags will remain at half-staff until sunset on September 1, 2026.

Read more:

The country music legend and philanthropist spent her life helping service members and military families, through fundraising and literacy.

08/13/2026

On Friday, August 14, 2026, the United States flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag will be lowered to half-staff at state buildings in honor of U.S. Army Corporal Norman Ronald Levesque of Taunton, Massachusetts, as he is finally laid to rest.

Corporal Levesque served with Battery C, 15th Field Artillery Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division during the Korean War. On August 11, 1950, while American forces fought to defend the area around P’ohang, South Korea, Corporal Levesque was reported missing in action. For more than 75 years, he remained among our nation’s missing. His remains were identified by the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency on September 8, 2025, allowing him at last to return home to Massachusetts. (DPAA Mil⁠)

Tomorrow, as Corporal Levesque is laid to rest at Saint Joseph Cemetery in Taunton, let the lowered flags remind us of something greater than a single day of observance: America has a responsibility to remember those who went to war in her name—and to never abandon the effort to bring them home. His story also reminds us that the freedoms inherited by each generation were preserved through extraordinary service, sacrifice, and loss. May the people of Nahant join our fellow citizens across the Commonwealth in honoring Corporal Levesque, his family, and all those who remain missing from our nation’s wars.

Welcome home, Corporal Levesque. Your service is remembered. Your sacrifice is honored.

“Let us remember—and remain committed to honoring that sacrifice through how we live, serve, and protect what was given to us.”

08/01/2026

Volunteers Needed for New Veterans Office

The Town of Nahant’s Veterans Office will soon be moving into a new space at the Valley Road School, and I am looking for volunteers to help clean and prepare the office before we move in.

Cleaning the space is the critical first step. Volunteers are needed to help with sweeping, dusting, wiping down surfaces, and other general preparation. Whether you can help for a short time or several hours, your assistance would be greatly appreciated.

I am excited about creating more than an office. The goal is to develop a safe, comfortable, and welcoming community space where Veterans can meet, have coffee, access resources, and spend time together.

We are also seeking:

- A couch and living-room-style chairs in very good condition
- Quality furnishings appropriate for a professional and welcoming Veterans space
- Monetary donations to assist with furnishings, supplies, and setup
- Military photographs, documents, uniforms, memorabilia, or other items from family members that may be considered for display

Please do not bring or leave any donated items at the school without contacting me first. Space is limited, and all furniture and display items must be reviewed and coordinated in advance.

Many thanks to the Nahant Town Hall and the Nahant Preservation Trust for helping make this new Veterans resource possible.

Please contact me if you are available to volunteer or would like to discuss a possible donation.

Thank you,
Bob Fields
[email protected]

07/31/2026

Discounted Hunting and Fishing Licenses for Veterans and those over 60. See Website for details.

07/30/2026

**Community Assistance Requested**

The Town of Nahant Veterans Service Officer is seeking help locating...

Thank you all for your help. Information requested has been obtained.

07/28/2026

DBCAN is hiring Veterans and they need your help getting the word out. DEAF, Inc. is the only Massachusetts community-based, multi-service nonprofit run by and for Deaf (Deaf, DeafBlind, Hard of Hearing, and Late-Deafened) adults. Their mission is to inspire people to achieve personal and professional goals through accessible programs and services. They focus on building bridges across communities by increasing communication access and awareness. Please take a moment to view their website and see the important work that they do. www.deafincma.org

06/17/2026

This is a tragic story, especially for those of us with military backgrounds.

The United States Air Force has now identified all eight personnel who were killed when a B-52H Stratofortress crashed shortly after takeoff from Edwards Air Force Base on June 15, 2026, during a flight test mission associated with B-52 modernization efforts.

The Eight Victims

* Col. Gregory Watson
* Lt. Col. Gabriel Estrella
* Lt. Col. Miles Middleton
* Maj. Alexander Davis
* Maj. Robert Dee
* Maj. Brad Hovey
* Jeromy Smith
* Christopher Rischar

What Happened?

* The aircraft crashed approximately three minutes after takeoff from Edwards AFB.

* The B-52 was conducting a developmental test flight as part of a radar modernization program intended to keep the bomber operational through at least 2050.

* Preliminary observations suggest the aircraft entered a sharp turn followed by a steep descent before impact.

* Investigators have not determined a cause, but experts have discussed possibilities including flight-control issues, engine problems, maintenance-related failures, or malfunctioning test equipment. Officials have stated the investigation could take up to six months.

For those of us who served, particularly in aviation, submarine, and test communities, incidents like this are a sobering reminder that even routine test missions carry significant risk. The crews at Edwards are often pushing aircraft and systems to their limits so the rest of the force can operate more safely.

Fair winds and following seas to these eight Americans and prayers for their families. 🇺🇸

The Air Force identified the eight Airmen, Air Force civilians, and contractors who died in the June 15 B-52 crash at Edwards Air Force Base.