One veteran who received particular recognition on Monday was William Barrett, who was designated Veteran of the Year. A Vietnam veteran and retired police officer, he was celebrated for the work he continues to do with veterans by way of, among other things, being a chaplain for the VFW, DAV and VVA.

“This guy doesn’t stop,” Mazzarella said. “I see him leaving his house first thing in the morning, beelining down Mechanic Street, and out all day crisscrossing the city. I couldn’t think of a better person to give this to.”

During brief remarks, Barrett said that he just wants to help others and that he has no plan to slow down any time soon.

“I try to attend all the meetings and try to help anybody that I can,” Barrett said. “And God sent me just like this, no doubt about it, and I’m going to keep doing it.”

By MONICA BUSCH