“We See You”: Burlington Honors Cold War Veterans on Veterans Day

"Today, we say to our Cold War veterans, 'We see you, we recognize you, we appreciate you, and we thank you.' To those who served during this era, whether in uniform, at home, or overseas, whether on the front lines or behind the scenes, your service mattered, your commitment mattered, and your sacrifices mattered. You helped protect a generation of Americans and preserve the freedoms that future generations would inherit. Veterans Day is not simply about remembering wars. It is about honoring service."
Chris Hanafin
Veteran Services Officer, Town of Burlington

The sun was shining and the air was crisp for Burlington's annual Veterans Day service this year. More than 200 Burlington residents, town employees, public safety professionals, veterans, and families gathered at the Town Common for an uplifting ceremony that highlighted the efforts of Cold War veterans in maintaining peace in an uncertain time.

Chris Hanafin, Marine Corps veteran and Veteran Services Officer for the town, led the event and invited guest speakers Ray Adams and Tim Whitson to speak about their experience during and after their time in the armed forces.

Adams, a Cold War veteran who patrolled the skies as a nuclear deterrent for the U.S. Air Force, has served as an officer for the Disabled and Limbless Veterans nonprofit organization and dedicated his life to serving veterans after his service to the country ended. Whitson is a U.S. Army and Vietnam War veteran who served in many leadership roles both in Vietnam and after he retired from the service. His service to the community included providing transportation to veterans and supporting mental health and other programs for veterans over the years.