Though parades and gatherings were cancelled, the message during the Randolph Memorial Day ceremony remained the same.
Six feet apart, and with masks on, about 30 people gathered at Town Hall.
James Laskey, a Vietnam Veteran and Past National Commandant of the Marine Corps League was the principal speaker.
“Those fallen heroes are the ones who give us our freedom today. They’re the ones that have provided us with everything that we have, that made this country great,” said Laskey. “They continue in the service of this country overseas today.”
The names of fallen veterans were read aloud, and poppy flowers were placed in an urn at the Town Hall memorial.
“I can’t help but think back of my own experiences in Vietnam and the people that I dealt with, especially those who didn’t make it home,” said Laskey. “I have the greatest remorse for them and their families. They’ll never know what their son or daughter could have done. To me, it’s just a time to honor these folks.”
Guest speakers included Randolph Veterans Council President Gerry Gill, State Senator Walter Timility, and State Representative Bruce Ayers.
Chaplain of the Randolph Veterans Council, Billy O’Connell, said organizers take great pride in organizing the ceremony each year. But people should never forget what the day is for.
“The purpose of Memorial Day is to pay homage to the veterans who died giving in service of our country,” said O’Connell. “Everybody doesn’t seem to get that. It’s always, ‘where’s the cookout.’ It really bothers me to no end.”
Town Council President Jim Burgess said they are indebted to those who have served. Each fallen veteran had a story, and people need to look after those who returned home.
“Those men and women who have gone into battle, have gone into battle under worse conditions than we will ever face,” said Burgess. “If they can do it, this is at least, the smallest amount that we can do for them. To be here, to have a ceremony, to remember them, and say thank you.”
The entire ceremony will be rebroadcast on Randolph Community TV.
