For generations, Chelsea’s residents have demonstrated exceptional service and dedication to the United States. During the Revolutionary War, Chelsea provided numerous soldiers to General George Washington’s forces – notably when Washington positioned the Continental Army’s Northern wing at Washington Park in Prattville. The Civil War witnessed hundreds of Chelsea residents fighting on its brutal battlefields, with significant casualties among the Chelsea Regiment; reportedly, a Chelsea serviceman earned the Congressional Medal of Honor and is believed to be interred in Garden Cemetery. When the Spanish American War erupted, hundreds of local residents enlisted to combat Spanish forces in Cuba – a contribution memorialized by the bronze Minuteman statue holding his rifle. Dozens of Chelsea’s young men perished during World War 1. The Second World War claimed nearly 200 lives from residents across virtually every street and neighborhood in the city. Many thousands who served sustained injuries. Vietnam and Korea together claimed approximately 25 lives, along with numerous wounded. Thus far, the Iraq Wars and Afghanistan conflict have not claimed any Chelsea service members, for which we are grateful. Memorial Day brings these sacrifices into focus. Last week, the city paid its respects to the fallen before the holiday. Now, as the week progresses, we honor the memories, steadfastness and commitment of all who served from Chelsea with distinction, and especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice or were wounded in service. Current events underscore how Middle Eastern radicals and terrorists seek America’s destruction. To suicide bombers and Jihadists, we represent evil Satan. America is not evil. We stand as humanity’s greatest beacon, our flag its most potent emblem for those worldwide who cherish liberty. Long after the final terrorist faces justice, the American flag will endure. And that is how matters stand in the Arsenal of Democracy in June, 2010.
Chelsea’s veterans
