Celebrating veterans, freedom, and fishing

LYNN — Area veterans are again invited to enjoy a day on the high seas, casting their lines as part of Freedom Fish Lynn, an event that provides veterans with a free day of saltwater fishing.

The fourth Freedom Fish Lynn will be held on Saturday, July 20. The day is hosted by the office of Mayor Jared Nicholson, the Department of Veterans Services, the Economic Development and Industrial Corporation of Lynn (EDIC/Lynn), the Lynn Housing Authority and Neighborhood Development (LHAND), Lynn Veterans Council, and Disabled and Limbless Veterans Inc.

More than 50 individuals have volunteered their boats and fishing equipment, according to EDIC/Lynn Executive Director Jim Cowdell. Money raised through sponsorships of the event will be used for veteran support and services. More than $50,000 has been raised to date, with more than 150 veterans participating.

“This event continues to grow in popularity and we are excited to offer it,” Cowdell said. “It’s a way of saying ‘thank you’ to veterans from Lynn and neighboring communities.”

First held in July of 2019, Freedom Fish Lynn celebrates the bravery and sacrifice of the veterans of Lynn and surrounding communities. After being canceled in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic, it returned in 2022. It is open to any veteran or active military member.

Held in Lynn Harbor, the day begins with check-in at 7 a.m. and boating and saltwater fishing by 8 a.m. For those who do not want to fish or who are not able to board on their own, there will be an ocean cruise to Boston and back.

“This event is a great opportunity to renew the deep sense of gratitude we have for our veterans,” Nicholson said. “Our access to the ocean allows us to provide them with an experience they will never forget.”

The event will end at EDIC’s Blossom Street Extension dock, where there will be a fish weigh-in, followed by a barbecue with food donated by Brothers Deli. There will also be raffles and prizes for the biggest catch. Nicholson and Cowdell will make check presentations to the Lynn Veterans Council and Disabled and Limbless Veterans, Inc.

“We are very pleased to offer veterans this recreational and social opportunity,” said Charles Gaeta, chair of the EDIC/Lynn board and executive director of LHAND. “Lynn makes caring for veterans a priority and this is just one example.”

To register or for more information, contact Justin de la Cruz at jdelacruz@ediclynn.org or 781-581-9399. Veterans are asked to sign up by June 1.

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