Mattapoisett residents showed their appreciation for veterans on Tuesday at an annual ceremony held at Old Hammondtown School.

"We're always very proud of the Veterans Day ceremony we have in Mattapoisett," said Veteran's Agent Barry Denham.

While there towns all over the country are also celebrating this day, he said, "I think ours is the best."

Selectmen Chair Paul Silva shared a story from his own family history that he recently discovered while cleaning out his parents' attic. A paper tucked into his father's infantry book from World War II discussed the Private First Class soldier's heroism during a German attack.

"Bullets whistled all about them," read Silva.

The account tells of how his father ran back to his Jeep and drove to a vulnerable spot where he could better fire on the Germans, with machine guns aimed at him. The enemy retreated, but not before the elder Silva had killed two four and wounded two.

The division was then able to capture a nearby town and the hero received a silver star.

"This is one small moment in many, many hours, days, years that each and every soldier has to deal with in battle," said Selectman Silva. "This was something he did or his country and that is all that was important."

Principal speaker Lt. Col. Todd Johnson of the Newport Naval War College also spoke.

"This ceremony...feeds the flame of liberty that continues across our country today," said Johnson.

He talked about the Bay State's many heroes, commemorate "from Arlington to Yarmouth" in war monuments, statutes, parks and plaques.

"I salute you and your families," he told veterans. "You defended America through the best and worst of times. God bless our veterans and God bless America."

In addition to the speakers, George Randall recited the Gettysburg Address and the Old Hammondtown Chorus and Concert Band performed patriotic songs.

Members of the Mattapoisett Police Department presented the flag. The event was sponsored by the American Legion Florence Eastman Post 280.