Salutes, flags raised in memory of fallen heroes

Greeted by a soft breeze, warm sunshine and 325 flags marking the graves of veterans, a small crowd of people gathered at Holyoke Cemetery Monday, May 29, to remember deceased family and friends who had served their country.
    “These families are the fabric of our nation,” said Terry Barth, commander of VFW Post 6482, as he read “Last Full Measure of Devotion.”
    The speech emphasized that while soldiers are protecting America’s freedom, their moms, dads, sisters, brothers and more are also the heroes of the wars.
    Long after the end of war, families are still grieving, Barth read. Others at home can offer shoulders to cry on and assurance that the deaths were worth something.
    While some people live full lives, it does not compare to the sacrifice troops make when their lives are cut short. “What they lack in time, they made up in valor,” said Barth. “Let us live up to their sacrifice.”
    Barth and Larry Abbey read the memorial honor roll to recognize local veterans, including those who died while in service to their country.
    Placing of the memorial wreaths was completed by Susan Roll Walters and Lynne Ferguson, and the Memorial Day prayer was said by Larry Stein, commander of American Legion Post 90.
    Performing the “The Star-Spangled Banner” and “For the Good of the Many” were Emily Krogmeier and Marcia Dalton, and Dani Brandt played taps for the honor guard at the Memorial Day program.