Middleboro names first Veteran of the Year during annual ceremony
Nov 11, 2023
Each branch of service was recognized during Middleboro’s Veterans Day ceremony. Photos by Taylor Fruzzetti
Middleboro’s first Veteran of the Year Paul Provencher.
The John T. Nichols, Jr. Middle School band.
Select Board Chair Mark Germain and State Rep. Norman Orrall walk in the parade.
Veterans driving through downtown.
Riding in style.
MIDDLEBORO– Vietnam veteran and Middleboro resident Paul Provencher was named Veteran of the Year during the annual Veterans Day ceremony on Saturday, Nov.11.
“It’s been amazing,” said Provencher referring to the 14 years he spent as Middleboro’s Veterans Agent.
Before spearheading the Veterans’ Park project in Middleboro, Provencher worked extensively to offer mental health services for veterans in Alabama and Boston.
Provencher is the first of 20 veterans who will be named Veteran of the Year during the annual ceremony according to Veterans Service Officer Steve Adelman.
According to Adelman, the title is intended to honor veterans who “go above and beyond to help the community.”
Before the ceremony started, the annual procession started on Nickerson Ave and headed down North Main Street. The Middleboro High School and John T. Nichols, Jr. Middle School bands played patriotic tunes through downtown.
During the ceremony, Middleboro American Legion Commander Bob Burke spoke on the sacrifices veterans made to protect the country’s freedom.
“It’s important to remember that veterans have defended our country 365 days a year,” said Burke.
Burke noted examples of sacrifices veterans have made such as missing the birth of their children, losing limbs and “far too often, losing their lives.”
State Sen. Marc Pacheco and State Rep. Norman Orrall both read speeches that honored veterans.
Middleboro High School’s student body president Kendall Santos read the Veterans Day Proclamation, Miss Taunton Teen Marianna McCallum sang the National Anthem and “God Bless the USA.”
The Middleboro High School band performed service songs when each branch of service was recognized and Nora Lyons and Jamison Studley played Taps during the rifle salute.
Middleboro veterans placed wreaths for the American Legion, Korean War Association, Women Veterans and other local chapters after giving a rifle salute.
Pastor David Brown of the First Congregational Church gave the Invocation and Pastor Doug Forbes of the Central Congregational Church gave the Benediction.
According to Adelman, the annual Veterans Day celebration has been a part of the Middleboro community for at least 45 years.
“It's great to recognize the veterans of all the different wars,” said Adelman. “They selflessly sacrifice for our country.”
