Mayor Joshua Garcia talks to the Holyoke community that came together at the War Memorial Building to honor the local veterans.
Reminder Publishing photo by Tyler Garnet
HOLYOKE — The Holyoke community gathered for the yearly Veterans Day ceremony inside the War Memorial Building on Nov. 11.
The annual ceremony aims to celebrate the veterans who have served or are currently serving in the armed forces. The event emphasizes the city’s support as a community not just for veterans, but for their families as well.
The ceremony included individual awards for the Veteran of the Year. Michael Washut, a Navy veteran with 21 years of service who currently works in VA services, earned the award.
Last year’s Holyoke Veteran of the Year, Wayne Klinge, shared a few words on the importance of helping fellow veterans.
Klinge began his journey in the United States Navy as recruit in 1975 before ranking up and earning multiple qualifications and accolades throughout his service.
He has engaged in his community following his years with the Navy, including volunteering at the Holyoke Medical Center and the Council on Aging, where he also served on the advisory board. Currently, he is the commander of American Legion Post 325 and has contributed his time to the Department of Veteran Services as veterans’ graves director for the city.
“To you, I say thank you. Thank you for setting the example,” Klinge said to the veterans in the room. “It inspired me and my peers to raise our hands for voluntary service to this great nation. That shared service joined us together like no other bond. Veterans Day serves an important purpose. It’s a day to recognize not just those who have given their life in war, but all those who have worn the uniforms of service.”
Klinge said there are dozens of ways to honor veterans, including volunteering, making an effort to promote military service to the youth, and — if you are a veteran — sharing “your story with others to let them know the service you have done.”
“The more we talk about what we do and the impact military service has on our lives, the better able we are to hold it up as an example of excellence,” Klinge said.
City Council President Tessa Murphy-Romboletti was also in attendance to offer some words on behalf of the City Council. She talked about both her grandfathers that served in the military for multiple years.
“Veterans Day is about remembering real people with real stories of service. These men, they didn’t talk much about their service, but their examples shaped our family and they taught me what quiet dedication looks like,” Murphy-Romboletti stated. “Our veterans deserve support, access to care, stable housing and a community like Holyoke that doesn’t let them stand alone after their service ends. Especially now more than ever, we need to step up and support our veterans in all the ways that we can.”
State Rep. Patricia Duffy emphasized her commitment to supporting veterans and talked about the importance of continuous efforts to enhance veterans’ benefits in the state.
Duffy, a Holyoke Democrat and member of the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs, highlighted work the body has accomplished, including the ongoing construction of the Holyoke Veterans Home and the passing of the HERO Act, which increased benefits and modernized services to promote inclusivity for veterans and their families.
“There’s always more to do, so I’m here to listen, to talk with any veteran. Tell me your problems, tell me your conflicts you have and we’ll work together to see how we can help make that better,” Duffy said.
Holyoke Mayor Joshua Garcia talked about trying his best to help those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.
Garcia said, “I hear it. Folks are concerned as to whether we understand or can truly appreciate the gravity of what goes on so that the rest of us can live freely.”
Garcia also acknowledged that there are problems that veterans still face every day based on stories he hears from those who have served and looking to reintegrate into a more normal life.
“I’ll never understand since I’ve never served, but will always appreciate the sacrifices and names so we can liberalize the way that we do, and we do what we can. I do what I can in my capacity to support our veterans. Here in the city of Holyoke, through our Veteran Services Department, recognize these disparities and so do the members of council, and we do what we can to support the department.”
Garcia read a proclamation to honor Veterans Day. The ceremony ended with the award presentation, ringing of the bell, retiring of the colors and taps.
