Senior Salute a Huge Success

by Rick Winterson

The Annual Senior Salute was a truly joyful event held in the St. Peter Lithuanian Church Hall on Flaherty Way. Many Seniors came and went; others received take-out food. The Hall itself was jam-packed with more than 200 lunch guests. Every table and chair was occupied.

Over many years, the Senior Salute has become one of South Boston’s most important St. Patrick’s/Evacuation Day traditions. It is really one of the high points of our annual South Boston “Season”.

The Senior Salute always brings good cheer; the sound of laughter was non-stop. Seniors went from table to table greeting other Seniors they hadn’t seen for a while. Irish music, nicely performed live by Al and Brendan Gavaghan’s “Celtic Law”, filled the air. Many of the Seniors wore St. Patrick costumes, most of which were green (of course) –Phyllis Corbitt may have worn the most impressive costume of all.

Station C-6 Capt. Joe Boyle, Community Service Sgt.

Jeremy Fitton, and PO Ayesha Lawton stopped in to say hello to the Seniors. They were joined by BPD Commissioner Michael Cox, who promised that police services and presence would be non-stop in South Boston, up to and during the Parade next Sunday – no problems like last year. South Boston’s “three Toms” – Butler, McGrath, and Tinlin – regaled the crowd with their remarks. Tom Tinlin is on the Board of the City of Boston Credit Union and the Credit Union was a key supporter of the Senior Salute this year. The entire Butler family sponsored the Senior Salute, and then they volunteered to help out as well. Peggy Woods’ Dancers energetically entertained the crowd. As it ended, John Healey closed the 2023 Senior Salute with “A Mother’s Love”.