Bob Letendre (left) and Bill Muench (right) are the local veterans being honored at this year’s Boston Marathon.

The Boston Marathon, held on Patriots’ Day, is one of the ultimate tests of strength, endurance and courage. These are traits not only held by runners and athletes but also by military veterans who have spent much of their adult lives preserving and defending our country’s freedom.

As part of the Marathon Day festivities, the Hopkinton Marathon Committee honors two Hopkinton veterans for their service and commitment. This year, the organization chose Bill Muench and Bob Letendre.

Service to country, community

“I am truly honored to be recognized for my service in the U.S. Navy by the Hopkinton Marathon Committee,” Muench wrote in an email. “It is a privilege to represent my veteran colleagues of the Hopkinton community on this Massachusetts Patriots’ Day.”

He added that the day is special because it weaves together America’s Revolutionary War heritage with local pride. The Boston Marathon and the armed forces symbolize “endurance and resilience, echoing the determination of the colonial militia,” he noted.

A native of Rochester, New York, Muench has lived in Hopkinton for the past 37 years. He graduated from Christian Brothers Academy in 1970. Muench then enrolled in the ROTC at Villanova University and received his Naval commission upon graduation. He later attended a gunnery weapons officer training program in Virginia.

In 1975, he was transferred to the USS Mobile (LKA-115) out of San Diego. He served as a weapons officer until 1977.

One of Muench’s favorite memories during that time frame was the celebration of the nation’s bicentennial on July 4, 1976. It commemorated the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

“[T]he Navy, along with the Marine Corps, Army, Air Force and Coast Guard, was central to this most iconic event,” he shared. “My ship was delegated to be a visit a ship in Sitka, Alaska. The other ships in my amphibious squadron visited the ports of Juneau and Anchorage, Alaska.

“After the Fourth of July celebration, our squadron participated in an amphibious Naval exercise in the Gulf of Alaska,” Muench continued. “It brought back memories of my dad, who served as an officer on the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Onondaga (WPG‑79) during the 1942 Japanese attacks on Dutch Harbor in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska. My dad was very influential in me enrolling in the Naval ROTC program at Villanova University, where I received my commission.”

Muench was honorably discharged from active duty in 1977. He remained in the reserves until 1991, when he retired after achieving the rank of lieutenant commander.

Since that time, he has remained active in the local veterans community as a member of American Legion Post 202. He expressed appreciation to the Hopkinton Veterans Celebration Committee and the Senior Center for their work in support of veterans.

“It is always an honor to pay tribute to the Hopkinton veterans at funerals and burial ceremonies,” he stated, “along with the annual Memorial Day ceremony at the Hopkinton cemeteries and the Town Common.”

National Defense Service Medal winner

Letendre has lived in Hopkinton for 47 years with his wife, Cynthia. They have three children: Janice, Mike and Tyler-James.

He enlisted in the Army during the Vietnam War upon his graduation from Marlborough High School in 1970. Then he went to basic training at Fort Dix, near Trenton, New Jersey.

After basic training, Letendre received advanced training. He became a communications specialist and was stationed in Germany from 1971-73. During this period, he installed antennas on mountaintops.

For his bravery, Letendre received the National Defense Service Medal and was honorably discharged in 1973. This is a military award authorized for honorable active service during designated periods of high-stakes conflicts. They include the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Gulf War and the Global War on Terrorism that began after the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.

Professionally, Letendre worked at Danafilms in neighboring Westborough, earning the role of supervisor.

“Just want to say it’s a pleasure to be honored by the Town of Hopkinton for my service in the Army,” stated Letendre in an email. “I am also grateful for our monthly meeting at the Senior Center where we fellowship with other veterans as well. This town has served its veterans well, it has been a pleasure living here for more than 45 years.”