An estimated 250 residents and veterans gathered in the rain Monday at St. Michael's Cemetery, paying a Memorial Day tribute to those who sacrificed their lives in war.
SPRINGFIELD – Residents and veterans gathered in the rain Monday at St. Michael's Cemetery, paying a Memorial Day tribute to those who sacrificed their lives in war.
The morning ceremony began with a Mass officiated by the Most Rev. Timothy A. McDonnell, bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield, conducted inside the mausoleum because of the rain. McDonnell then joined veterans in laying a wreath at the Veterans Monument.
Richard J. Tyrell, chairman of the Springfield Veterans Activities Committee which annually organizes the ceremony, said he was “very pleased and surprised” that an estimated 250 people attended.
“It shows their faith and their respect for the men and women who sacrificed so much for our country brought them out enthusiastically in this terrible weather,” Tyrell said.
The ceremony included a rifle salute by American Legion Post 420, and the playing of taps by bugler Robert Parsons.
“The rain reminds us of the battles fought in all weather in all seasons,” said Bernard McClusky, who was named “Veteran of the Year” in November by the Veterans Activities Committee.
Nelson Letendre of Springfield, a Vietnam Era veteran, said he attends the ceremony every year “to remember my fellow veterans who died for the cause of peace.”
“You can’t let the rain stop us from remembering our veterans who died for our country,” he said.