Harrison Thorp 8:36 a.m.
Wednesday, November 12, 2025 8:31 am

A pair of Spaulding High ROTC cadets raise the flag following the laying of the wreaths during Veterans Day observance at the Rochester Common on Tuesday. (Rochester Voice photos)

ROCHESTER - There were many heroes among us during an observance of Veterans Day at the Rochester Common on Tuesday, from Peter Tiews of Rochester, who spent 31 years serving in the Army, to Gunner's Mate Charles Curreri who spent three years in the Navy before retiring due to injury, to Spaulding High Senior and Spaulding AFJROTC Group Commander Domenic McNeil, who has already enlisted.
"I'll be doing a six-year stint with the Air National Guard at Pease," he said on Tuesday shortly before the start of the ceremony.

Ret. Navy Gunner's Mate Charles Curreri salutes after laying a wreath for the Navy during Veterans Day observance on Tuesday.

Behind McNeil were about 60 JROTC cadets who came to show their support for the nation's veterans.
Also showing their support were five bagpipers from the Ancient Order of Hibernians, who played a stirring medley of service songs from the nation's six military branches.
This is the first time we've played here," said Pipe Major Tom Martineau. "Most of us are from Southern Maine and Seacoast New Hampshire."
Mark Hudson, American Legion Post 7 chaplain, opened the solemn ceremony with a prayer before talking about the history of Armistice Day that began after

Bagpipers from Ancient Order of Hibernians play a medley of armed services anthems on Tuesday during Veterans Day ceremony at the Rochester Common

World War I, which was supposed to be the "War to end all wars."
"Sadly 20 years later another generation fought in World War II, which was deadlier than the first," Hudson lamented.
The heart of the program was the laying of the wreaths symbolizing the six military branches and another wreath for those whose bodies never came home to rest, America's POWs/MIAs.
An oft-said mantra of Veterans Day is "Some gave all, all gave some."
The fact that so many Rochester residents came out to salute all veterans on a cold morning with temps in the 20s and the sky spitting snowflakes, it was, indeed, a tribute to all those who attended, too.