Mayor Judith Flanagan Kennedy, left, presents Frank L. Morrill Jr. with a citation in recognition of his service to the United States in World War II and the joyful occasion of his 90th birthday. Item Photo by Owen O’Rourke
By Adam Swift
LYNN — It’s never too late to honor those who have served this country.
Lynn native Frank Morrill was in the Navy during World War II, the Marine Corps during the Korean War, raised four children in the city, and retired from GE after 40 years in 1989.
On Friday, Mayor Judith Flanagan Kennedy presented Morrill with a citation honoring him for his years of service to the country and the city. Morrill, who recently turned 90, was surrounded by several children and grandchildren as he received the honor.
“There are fewer and fewer veterans (of World War II) every day and we wanted to make sure we could honor you,” said Kennedy. “That’s why you are here, so we can say thank you for a job well done. We truly appreciate your service to the city of Lynn and your country.”
Morrill has kept a sharp sense of humor over the years, asking the mayor how much the citation cost the taxpayers. (Three dollars and 10 cents, if anyone else is curious.)
“I’d rather have the money,” Morrill said.
Also attending the ceremony was former mayor David Phillips, Morrill’s friend and former neighbor.
“I think we all hope we are as sharp as him when we get to that age,” said Phillips.
Morrill graduated from St. Mary’s High School and served in the Navy from 1944 to 1946 and then joined the Marine Corps reserve when he returned home, he said. In 1950, he was called into active service as the Korean War got underway.
“At 90 years old, it is never too late to say thank you and welcome home,” said Michael Sweeney, the city’s director of veterans services.