“Today is about those who have made the ultimate sacrifice,” said Boston Mayor Marty Walsh. “Today is about all of you and the legacy of service.”
Memorial Day is about honoring service men and women who gave their lives for our country, not barbecues or a day off from work.
That was the message delivered by Mayor Walsh and others at the Gardens at Gethsemane Cemetery annual Memorial Day Service Monday.
“There are those rare times however when combat is not optional but required in order to sustain freedom to maintain peace,” said the cemetery’s Treasurer of the Board of Directors of The Gardens.
The ceremony included a gun salute, a wreath laying and musical selections.
Speakers also paid tribute to current service men and women as well as veterans who are still alive.
“There are soldiers, sailors, marines, airmen and Coast Guardsmen standing watch around the world at this very instant.”
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As the nation observed Memorial Day, Mayor Walsh lamented recent repeated vandalism, including at the Vietnam veterans memorial in Dorchester.
“We don’t know why people vandalize these memorials or target these kinds of acts of hate for our fallen heroes,” Walsh said. “But I want everyone to know that’s not what our city stands for.”
On Memorial Day especially – and on every day -- Walsh said Boston will never forget those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
