The Veterans Day ceremony on the VFW lawn proved to be an emotional swan song for the Benjamin D. Cushing post.

“This has been a grueling ten months for me, since we got the notice we’d have to shut the doors,” Post Commander Demi Barros said. “Above and beyond, I just want to say thank you.”

“Thank you” were two words spoken many times over the course of the ceremony.

“Since I started this, I’ve said thank you six times already,” Selectmen Chair Jody Dickerson said, while thanking the VFW and veterans for their service. “Today I remove my title as Selectman and just stand here as a grateful American.”

The ceremony had a range of speakers, from Barros and Dickerson to special guest speaker Capt. Eduardo Fernandez.

Fernandez, a 30-year military veteran and current faculty member of the U.S. Naval War College, shared the experiences he had while serving in the military. He emphasized the values he witnessed from his fellow soldiers.

“Bravery, perseverance, commitment,” Fernandez said. “The dedication of soldiers who knew about the horrible injuries and deaths their fellow soldiers suffered yet continued to fight.”

He also told the crowd that days such as Veterans Day should be used to show appreciation.

“Let us endeavor to let veterans know that they do not suffer in vain,” he said.

The ceremony closed with Barros thanking the many people who serve the town and who contributed to the ceremony as well as town employees who helped contribute to the success of the post over the years.

“I’m having a hard time with this,” Barros said. “I never thought I’d be the last commander of this post, but here we are. The sweet part is that the building is going to the town, so it’s going to good use.”

He also called Dickerson back up to the podium so he could officially pass him the torch and close the doors on the Benjamin D. Cushing post.