Friends, family, and City officials filled the hall of the American Legion Nonantum Post 440 on the morning of November 11 to honor Newton’s veterans during the city’s annual Veterans Day ceremony.
The ceremony began with the Post’s Honor Guard marching into the hall. Seth Bai, Newton’s director of Veteran Services, opened the program by recognizing organizations that support veterans year-round, including Operation American Soldier and Cell Phones for Soldiers, and noting the HERO Act’s continued role in providing assistance to those who served.
Reverence
Mayor Ruthanne Fuller reflected on the importance of honoring those who served, recalling her father’s service in the U.S. Navy during World War II and recognizing the late Setti Warren, former Newton mayor and Navy veteran of the Iraq War. She reminded attendees that Veterans Day commemorates the armistice that ended World War I — signed “at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.” Fuller received a folded flag in honor of her service to the City and the veterans within it.
“You make sure that we always remember the true meaning of service,” Fuller said. “You never let us forget the sacrifices, the adversity, the loneliness, or the life-altering injuries, some of which are visible, while others are invisible.”
Lieutenant Giovanna DeVito, an active-duty Navy officer and Newton native, delivered the keynote address. DeVito, who currently serves as public affairs officer to the Vice Chief of Naval Operations at the Pentagon, urged the community to honor veterans not only through ceremonies but through daily acts of service and gratitude. Her family, including her 98-year-old great uncle Tony — a Navy veteran himself — joined her at the ceremony.
“Our history lives through every veteran who returned home to find their place again, carrying the memories of war and choosing to keep serving their country in new ways.” DeVito said.
Newton Police Chief George McMains honored for his Marine Corps service and dedication to serving the City of Newton. (photo: Amy Sangiolo) Jade Luongo, Newton Cemetery employee who has helped coordinate many veteran burial services, honored. (photo: Amy Sangiolo) Veterans advocate and supporter Lydia O’Dea honored. (photo: Amy Sangiolo) Phillip Szathmary, U.S. Army veteran and member of Jewish American War Veterans Newton Brookline Post 211, honored. (photo: Amy Sangiolo) Thomas Fitzgerald, U.S. Army Veteran and long-time Newton resident, honored. (photo: Amy Sangiolo)
Honorees
Several local veterans and community members were honored for their service and continued support of Newton’s veteran community.
Among those recognized was Newton Police Chief George McMains for his service in the U.S. Marine Corps, which marked its 250th anniversary the day before the ceremony.
McMains grew up in San Diego before moving to Iowa. After high school, unsure of his next step, he decided to join the Marines, which he said shaped the rest of his life.
“It’s a tough service to join,” McMains told Fig City News. “But I look back fondly on the friends that I still have to this day, that I never would have met, including my wife, had I not joined the military.”
He noted that some service members remain stateside while others, like himself, have the opportunity to serve around the world in places such as Japan, Norway, and the Philippines.
“Any veteran should be rewarded for what they’ve done for this country,” McMains said.
Raise the flag another day
Post Commander Donnie Gentile was commended for the Legion’s support of Newton’s veterans. The traditional flag retirement ceremony was postponed until June because of high winds and cold temperatures.
Among those attending was Will Baas, a Newton resident who served 31 years in the U.S. Navy and Navy Reserve before retiring in 2022 at the rank of captain. He said he values the chance to connect with fellow veterans — sharing stories and finding common ground through their service, no matter which branch they served in.
“By coming to an event like this, it’s a chance to honor, but also maybe inspire, the future generations,” he said, adding that seeing local Scouts participate gives him hope.
Bai said he was encouraged by the turnout and the growing community presence at this year’s ceremony. He noted the increase in youth participation — with dozens of Boy and Girl Scouts in attendance — and said he intends to continue building meaningful programming at Post 440.
The ceremony concluded with the playing of “Taps,” the historic military bugle call, and a call to action from Bai, who urged attendees to reach out to veterans in their lives to express love and gratitude for their service.
See ways to support Newton’s Veteran Services.
