It's not always easy to go up to veterans and thank them for their service, but it's important said Selectman Tyler Macallister at Mattapoisett's Veterans Day celebration.

"In my opinion, every day is a day to recognize and thank a veteran. I always take the time to shake the hand of somebody I see...Initially it was a little awkward. I believe it's important for everybody to do this," he said.

Technical Sergent Sara D.J. Garde, a decorated combat veteran from Mattapoisett and the principal speaker on Wednesday said, "It is equally as awkward for us as it is for you."

But Garde, who has been in the service 15 years, told the crowd gathered at Old Hammondtown School that she grew to appreciate it when people thank her for her service.

"It is something I should be proud of and am proud of," she said.

A certified EMT and member of the Armed Forces, Garde spoke about the many reasons people join the military, but said, "the end result is nearly all the same: We serve because it becomes part of who we are."

The town honored those veterans with a packed house and patriotic songs performed by the Old Hammondtown School chorus and band. The Boy Scouts handed out lapel pins made for the town's veterans, which Town Administrator Michael Gagne had ordered.

Mattapoisett Police officers posted the flags and George Randall continued his tradition of reciting the Gettysburg Address from memory.

Throughout the ceremony, organized by the Florence Eastman Post 280 American Legion, speakers encouraged the audience to remember, honor and care for veterans.

"It's nice to be appreciated and have this many people here," said American Legion Commander Michael Lamoureux.

He and Veterans Agent Barry Denham asked veterans, especially those more recently in service, to participate in the American Legion.

"If we want to see these traditions continue and our services continue we need to see you get involved," Denham said.