Photo by Maureen Sullivan
MARLBOROUGH – Although Memorial Day is a holiday, it should not be treated as such.
Instead, it should serve as a reminder to honor those who died in service to their country, according to the city’s Veterans Services Officer, Michael Hennessy.
“It should not be ‘happy Memorial Day’… it’s an observance,” he said.
He asked residents to take a look at the dozens of “Hometown Hero” banners across the city.
“They connect the names to the faces … they are heroes,” he said.
“This is a day of remembrance and reflection,” said Mayor Arthur Vigeant. “This is not a political day or to make profound statements.
“It’s a day to remember these veterans, these lost soldiers,” he added.
Speaking at Monument Square during annual observances on Monday, May 29, Vigeant spoke of some of the ceremonies he witnessed over the past 30 years. These included the Medal of Liberty event last June, where 38 lost soldiers were honored, and medals presented to surviving family members.
Another Medal of Liberty ceremony is planned for this June, this time to honor military personnel lost during the Vietnam War.
Vigeant also recalled the 2019 re-internment of Sgt. Alfred Sandini, who was killed in action off the coast of Vietnam in 1944, and who was finally identified after 75 years.
Sandini’s remains were brought back to Marlborough, where he was buried with military honors.
“It’s a moment I will never forget,” he said.
The annual observances began at American Legion headquarters on Maple Street; participants included the high school band, local veterans and city officials, as well as Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops.
The parade made several stops along the war monuments at Main Street; at each stop, there was a moment to present a wreath, say a prayer and perform “Taps” and a gun salute.
At several monuments, there was a collection of photos of the veterans who died in service to their country. Each veteran’s photo came with their name, branch of service, and where and when they served.
Photo by Maureen Sullivan
