For Florence veteran Thomas J. Coogan Memorial Day brings back bad memories of combat in the Pacific Theater during World War II.
Thomas J. Coogan, left, of Florence and Terry M. Fenstad of Amherst salute during Memorial Day ceremonies in Amherst Monday morning. AMHERST - State Rep. Ellen Story said she has spoken at Memorial Day ceremonies on sunny and on gray dreary ones but believes “having it be raining and gray is more appropriate.”
The Amherst democrat had a little of both Monday, the early morning showers cleared in time for the annual Memorial Day Parade to leave the Town Common and the skies were giving way to sun as the ceremonies ended about an hour later at the War Memorial Pool.
Clusters of parade watchers dotted South and North Pleasant streets for the parade with several hundred gathering for the playing of taps, the calling of the departed at ceremonies at the pool. Fire and police, boy and girl scout troops were among the marchers with the Hopkins Academy Marching Band performing. Town Manager John P. Musante was the emcee.
Fire Capt. Brian Sterling plays the bagpipes in the Amherst Memorial Day parade while Fire Chief Tim Nelson walks behind. Sterling has been playing the pipes for about 15 years and has been on the Amherst force for 22.
Steven J. Connor, director of veterans services for central Hampshire County, said there are many stories being told about veterans who have killed themselves on the return to civilian life. He told a man of man in New Mexico who was killed earlier this month by A SWAT team. The man’s wife said there was a man outside their house with a gun.
“If you know someone... a neighbor or a friend (who’s in trouble) you should contact my office or the VA for assistance...We have to help the veterans coming home.”
Thomas J. Coogan who lives in Florence but is a member of the American Legion Post 148 helped raise the flag during the ceremonies.
Benjamin Remensnyder, 3 1/2, gets a shoulder eye view of the Amherst Memorial Day parade on the shoulders of his father Stuart Remensnyder. Coogan saw combat in the Pacific Theater during World War II, including Iwo Jima, a battle waged from Feb. 19 to March 26, 1945, in which nearly 7,000 Marines were killed and another 25,000 wounded. For Coogan, who was a staff sergeant with the Fourth marine division, Memorial Day evokes “a lot of bad memories.” He said he’d rather not speak about them.
He was in the Marines for four years during the war and recalled for a year during the Korean conflict. He lost many friends in the battle and many more have passed since then, he said.
But he said he was glad to see so many remembering.
Retired U.S. Air Force Col. Terry M. Fenstad and American Legion Post 148 commander said Memorial Days is a day “when all Americans should (take) a moment in whatever they’re doing” to remember the veterans. No matter what their stand is on the wars in Iraq or Afghanistan, people should “at least support the troops.” He said post traumatic stress disorder “affects everyone who’s ever been at war.”