‘Always remain strong’ retired Navy captain tells Marion on Veterans Day

MARION — World War I, which concluded in 1918, was once called “the war to end all wars.”

“If that was true, many of us wouldn’t be here in uniform at this time,” Navy Captain William Hollman said Monday during Marion’s Veterans Day ceremony. “There’s always a call to duty, always a verve to serve your country.”

Hollman, a Marion resident originally from Wisconsin, was deployed to the Atlantic and Mediterranean four times, according to Town Administrator Geoff Gorman, also a veteran of the Navy.

In his remarks at the Nov. 11 gathering at Old Landing Veterans Park, Hollman said that “engagement,” like thanking someone for their service or asking a veteran of the Navy what boat they served on, will “really light up an old submariner” like him.

“Just that little gesture is often appreciated,” Hollman said.

During the ceremony, the Sippican School Band played multiple musical arrangements, and Cub, Girl and Boy Scouts from Marion led the pledge of allegiance.

James Devoll, a freshman at Old Rochester Regional High School, recited a proclamation from Gov. Maura Healey.

Rev. Eric Osterday, in an invocation, said “we are mindful” on Veterans Day “not only of the contributions that each has made but also of the hardships they have each endured.”

“May those of us who have not served be of service to these men and women in continual support, care and camaraderie,” he said.

The color guard of the Benjamin D. Cushing VFW Post 2425 carried the United States flag and a flag of the post during the ceremony.

Marion Select Board Chair Norm Hills, in welcoming remarks, asked veterans at Old Landing Veterans Park not in uniform to raise their hands.

“To those veterans here today, I want to thank you,” Hills, a Navy veteran, said. “To the mothers, fathers, spouses, and children of military men and women, thank you also. And to all of you present today, I want to thank you for your time in coming to honor our veterans.” 

Hollman, as a submariner, said he took away that “we were literally all in the same boat” and “everybody has to pull together.”

He closed with a message based on “semper fortis,” a motto of the Navy that means “always strong.”

“Always remain strong,” Hollman said. “Recognize the veterans, future veterans that have supported that.”