Service and the Constitution

On Veterans Day November 11, 2024, the Florence Eastman American Legion Post 280 in partnership with the Tri-town Veterans Office held its annual commemorative service. The community came together at Old Hammondtown School where Rear Admiral Cashman shared his thoughts on the subject of service.

            Cashman’s background includes being a native of Brockton and is a 1987 graduate of MIT. He was commissioned through Navy OCS; he holds a Masters in Nuclear Engineering from the University of Maryland and a Masters National Security Studies from the Naval War College in Newport.

            At sea, Cashman tours include the USS Mustin, USS Arkansas, USS Merrill, USS John C. Stennis, USS Valley Forge, DESRON 50, and Carrier Strike Group Three. Ashore, his tours include assignments to the U.S. Naval Academy, the J-5, 5th Fleet Future Operations, Central Command, and as a fellow at the Chief of Naval Operations Strategic Studies Group in Newport. His Flag Officer tours include director, Joint Integrated Air and Missile Defense Organization, J8 Joint Staff, commander, Joint Task Force Guantanamo, and the NATO Maritime Group One. He is currently the Dean of the Maritime Operational Warfare College at the Naval War College.

            Cashman said that he takes time to thank students at the college for the service they will be providing and telling them why their service is critical to the country and the constitution. “They are pledging an oath to uphold the constitution…” and quoted George Washington as saying, “…Without a decisive naval force, we can do nothing definitive. And with it, everything honorable and glorious…” Cashman said, “The students are part of that service to the nation…they are the servants of the people.”

            Cashman told the audience that some people ask the question “What is the meaning of Life,” but a person who chooses service “…knows that service is the meaning.”

            The event included comments from Select Board Member Tyler Macallister reminded all that the freedoms we enjoy are protected by our military. Thus, they should be honored every day of the year.

            Boy Scouts from Rochester Troop 31 provided color guard duty. The Showstoppers harmonized with reverence singing the national anthem and Zoe Motta read the Veteran’s Day proclamation.

By Marilou Newell

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