MATTAPOISETT — Even though most Veterans Day ceremonies were cancelled due to covid, the Mattapoisett American Legion Florence Eastman Post 280 found a way to honor veterans at a small gathering outside the Mattapoisett Free Public Library. 

At the ceremony, veterans stood in a circle with Town Administrator Michael Lorenco and former Town Administrator Michael Gagne and spoke about their times in the military. 

Mattapoisett Vietnam War veteran Barry Denham gave a speech honoring fellow veteran Mike Lamoureux, who was a large part of previous years’ Veterans Day ceremonies, and Post Commander of the legion. Since then, he has moved away from the area.

A certificate of appreciation was dedicated to Lamoureux by the Board of Selectmen, and presented by Lorenco. Lorenco also presented a citation from State Senator Mark Montigny, recognizing Lamoureux for “over 35 years of dedicated service to our veterans and U.S. armed forces personnel as commander of the Florence Post 280 American Legion.” 

The certificate and citiation were given to Lamoureux after he moved from Mattapoisett to Connecticut.