Photo: Carl Stevens/WBZ NewsRadio
SWAMPSCOTT, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — The owner of a Swampscott restaurant has a unique way to bring veterans together.
Teresa Sirignano, owner of Cafe Avellino at 242 Humphrey St., works with Lynn-Swampscott Veterans' Services to provide space for a veterans coffee hour.
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Once a month, veterans and their friends and families come together at Avellino to share stories and information on services available to veterans, all while enjoying free coffee, Italian pastries, and cookies.
"It just reminds me [of] being an immigrant," Sirignano told WBZ NewsRadio Wednesday. "I remember coming to America, it was such a big, special thing, the land of opportunity, and these veterans fought for this country so we can do the things that we love."
1 of 2 Photo: Carl Stevens/WBZ NewsRadio
2 of 2 Photo: Carl Stevens/WBZ NewsRadio
Both Sirignano's father and grandfather served in the Italian military before the family emigrated to the United States. Sirignano said sometimes her father will make an appearance at the coffee hour and connect with fellow veterans.
"He doesn’t speak English, but they don’t speak Italian, and it’s funny how they really get along," Sirignano said. "They really are communicating without words, it’s amazing."
WBZ's Carl Stevens (@CarlWBZ) reports.
