Haverhill, MA (November 7, 2024) – Uncharacteristically warm weather provided a perfect backdrop as Northern Essex Community College faculty, staff, and students gathered on the Haverhill Campus to honor the bravery and sacrifice of the nation’s veterans. The college’s Veterans and Military Services Department marked the Veterans Day holiday with a moving flag-raising ceremony and breakfast. The event featured a raising of the American and POW/MIA flags by local veterans, the national anthem sung by NECC student Sean Gaff and Taps played on the trumpet by student Joni Silva.

Ralph Basiliere ’08 sharing his story of creating a new Vietnam War Memorial in Haverhill

Following the ceremony, NECC’s Veterans Services Coordinator Angela McCrillis welcomed the group and guests to a breakfast featuring remarks from NECC President Lane Glenn, Provost Paul Beaudin, and alumnus Ralph Basiliere ’08. Basiliere served in the Marine Corps from 1984 to 1988, as an infantryman and then a corporal E4 with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit. Now a Haverhill City Council member, Basiliere has publicly shared his battle with PTSD following his time in the Marines. He eventually found help through the Veterans Northeast Outreach Center in Haverhill.

Since then, Basiliere has dedicated his life to helping others, in particular his fellow veterans. He shared how he spearheaded the effort to move Haverhill’s Vietnam War Memorial from an obscure spot on the north side of the Basiliere Bridge (named for his uncle) to Mill Brook Park. Thirteen men from Haverhill died in the Vietnam War, and their families along with local veterans expressed to Basiliere just how much the effort meant to them.

“Vietnam veterans approached me and told me they could die in peace. Imagine being told that,” he said. “They paid the price. I ask you to keep them in your hearts.”

President Glenn, the son of a Marine, echoed the importance of honoring the sacrifice of the nation’s veterans in his remarks. “I recently wrote a story about [my father] and the significance of the Marine Corps motto ‘Semper Fi,’ which means always faithful. When I experience events like this morning, it reminds me of the importance of that motto, not only for the Marines, but for all of us the importance of fidelity, faithfulness to this great nation.”

There are dozens of active military or veteran students currently enrolled at NECC.  The Military Times included Northern Essex on its “Best for Vets” college list in 2022 and NECC became a designated “Military Friendly School” by Viqtory in 2021. McCrillis helps connect veteran and active duty students with a multitude of support services, including Credit For Prior Learning, which can apply those students’ experiences to academic credits. To learn more about Veteran and Military Services at NECC, visit the webpage or email McCrillis at veteransservices@necc.mass.edu.