Methuen Village Assisted Living is in its first year, and every has been exciting for the new residents…. from the Grand Unveiling held in February just before opening, to our high tea celebration for Mother’s Day, and the five-piece orchestra performance. However, I would venture to say that nothing thus far has been as special and memorable as our celebration of Memorial Day that occurred over the course of a few weeks in the month of May.

Methuen Village is honored and priviledged to be home for a growing number of veterans. Given their age group, the majority of elders that tour the community have served during wartime, and they are pleased to learn that the Veterans Administration contributes funds towards assisted living for those who require some personal assistance. Thus, many have chosen to move in, and benefit from not only the personal care offered, but the commeradery and companionship of others like themselves.

When the city of Methuen joined forces to place a new flag on the grave of each and every fallen hero, Methuen Village veterans were glad to contribute. Veterans themselves, they traveled to Saint Anthony’s Cemetery, and spent two Saturday mornings placing flags as a team. For many, this was the first opportunity they had been given to volunteer in a long time, and it felt good! Then, on Memorial Day weekend, the community worked to create their own Wall of Honor, with old photographs of Methuen Village veterans, placed prominently in the center sun room. And on that gorgerous Sunday, the Veterans walked over to Saint Monica’s School to observe the Wall of Honor there, displayed to honor 650 of our Merrimack Valley’s veterans. They returned for an outdoor barbeque, made just for them.

Mahatma Ghandi once said, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” No one knows this better than our Veterans. The celebration of Memorial Day, throughout the month of May, really brought into focus what Methuen Village is and will continue to be: It is just another neighborhood full of great neighbors in our city of Methuen. The residents want to be a part of the greater community, and want Methuen to be involved with our neighborhood as well. To learn more about Methuen Village- to take a tour, to volunteer with our residents, call 978-685-2220 or visit us at 4 Gleason St, in Methuen.