As Veterans Day approaches, Marblehead’s historic Abbot Hall will once again host two important events: the city’s traditional Veterans Day ceremony and Congressman Seth Moulton’s Veterans Town Hall. Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, the Veterans Town Hall has become a valued tradition that helps connect veterans to their community. At the state level, Governor Maura Healey signed a significant new veterans bill in August, making 2024 a remarkable year for veterans support at both the local and state levels.

When Moulton, a Marine Corps veteran who served four tours in Iraq, started the town hall with author Sebastian Junger 10 years ago, they created what Junger called “a sacred space” – where veterans share their experiences with neighbors could share who simply listened. No questions asked. No politics discussed. Just stories that needed to be told and a community ready to hear them.

The format works because it is straightforward. Veterans from all eras stand before their community and speak their truth. Some tell stories of bravery, others of loss. Many discuss the challenges of transitioning back to civilian life. These honest accounts have helped bridge the gap between military and civilian experiences.

Meanwhile, Moulton continues to work on several important initiatives in Congress. His efforts to expand the 988 mental health hotline to active military personnel could provide critical support in times of crisis. The congressman’s advocacy for the GI Bill Restoration Act aims to address a historic injustice by providing long-denied benefits to Black World War II veterans and their descendants.

His work also extends to current health challenges facing veterans. Its provision in the National Defense Authorization Act requiring the Defense Department to track military personnel’s exposure to blast overpressure shows foresight in treating traumatic brain injuries. His support for medical alternatives in treating veterans’ mental health demonstrates his willingness to explore new solutions to ongoing problems.

With these initiatives, Moulton continues to follow the spirit of Veterans Town Hall: listening to the needs of veterans and taking action to meet them. His recent efforts to restore benefits to service members punished under Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell have contributed to significant change: hundreds of service members have had their service records honorably discharged.

This summer, Healey signed the HERO Act (Honoring, Empowering and Recognizing our Servicemembers and Veterans), which contains over 30 provisions that will benefit hundreds of thousands of veterans in Massachusetts. The law expands access to behavioral health care, increases benefits for veterans, supports companies that hire veterans, and updates the definition of who is considered a veteran. This is the first comprehensive legislative package for veterans in Massachusetts in more than 20 years.

This Veterans Day, Marblehead is offering three opportunities to honor those who have served. The city’s traditional Veterans Day ceremony begins at 10 a.m. in Abbot Hall with the high school choir, the reading of the governor’s proclamation, honoring veterans from all wars and a speech by VFW Commander Ronald Knight. As part of the ceremony, the names of veterans who died this year will be read out. Afterwards there will be breakfast at the VFW.

Later that day, at 1 p.m., Moulton will host its 10th annual Veterans Town Hall, also at Abbot Hall.

On Nov. 8, the Marblehead Council on Aging and Masons will host its annual Veterans Day Breakfast at 9 a.m. at the Jacobi Community Center.

Your presence at these events shows your support for our veterans and helps strengthen community ties.