David Weeden, chairman of the Mashpee Select Board and Mashpee Wampanoag Tribal Council Member kicked off the annual town Veterans Day ceremony on November 11. In addition to David, speakers included Cheri Peters, Women’s Auxiliary president; Steve Koglin, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5489 commander; David Vieira, state Representative and Reverend John Taylor.

David recited a prayer in both the Wampanoag and English languages, and Rep. Vieira spoke on the SPEED Act, a bill recently passed into Massachusetts law that provides new benefits to veterans and active-duty members as well as their families. Among other benefits, the law offers in-state tuition to members of the military stationed in Massachusetts and expedites the process of obtaining licenses and certifications for military spouses.

Cheri said during the ceremony that the people gathered were there to show respect and gratitude and she listed several organizations, including the Wounded Warrior Project, that support veterans.