In Brockton, Memorial Day observances were held at the Melrose Cemetery, the VFW Monument, Korea/Vietnam Memorial Park, and the A.W.Foss-G.A.R. Veterans Grave, and a formal ceremony was held indoors at the War Memorial Hall.
WATD’s Lenny Rowe files this report.
The Brockton Firefighters Pipes and Drums introduced the colors at the War Memorial Hall.
After wreath laying ceremonies and VFW volley salutes, the Brockton Police and Fire Department Honor Guards, the High School JROTC Honor Guards, the VFW, and elected officials gathered indoors for this year’s Memorial Day ceremony.
This year, the city honored two longtime Navy veterans who passed away – George Cataldo and John Montagano.
Montagano’s granddaughter, Elizabeth Teixeira, spoke about her hero.
“When my grandfather John Montagano passed away this year, the world lost a World War II Navy veteran, a veteran’s advocate, a grandfather, a friend, and a whole lifetime’s worth of wisdom, passion, and patriotism,” said Teixeira. “The great thing about John Montagano was that he left behind so much more than just a family. He also left behind a legacy of courage, kindness, and patriotism. He left behind a group of Americans that he shaped and encouraged himself. His passion for the United States will be carried on, I can attest to that myself. Thank you to John Montagano for a lifetime dedicated to the United States, we are so grateful.”
Montagano was stationed in the Pacific Theatre during World War II as part of the Sea Bees. After the war, he served as Commander for the VFW posts in Whitman and Brockton, and was in charge of veterans affairs for Congressman Joe Moakley.
Cataldo joined the Navy in 1944 after graduation and Served in the South Pacific during World War II. He was a former city councilor and served as the emcee of ceremonies during Memorial Day gatherings.
“How do you measure a year in the life? In George Cataldo’s case, that was times 92,” said Martin. “As part of the greatest generation, you measure the love, duty, honor, county, and in George’s case, certainly compassion and community. He had so many other attributes thrown in for good measure. He was so many things to so many people.”
Mayor Robert Sullivan says both were dedicated to serving their community and helping veterans in need.
“Today’s a day to remember, but we should always remember each and every day – that’s what it means to be an American,” said Sullivan. “We never forget those, no matter what conflict, no matter how he or she passed. They did it for us, that’s why we’re here today.”
