Shirley Odell, a Gold Star mother who lost her daughter, U.S. Navy Petty Officer Nancy R. Odell-Liupakka, in 1987 in Italy, places a wreath at Southwick’s War Memorial during the town’s Memorial Day service on May 26.
Reminder Publishing photo by Cliff Clark
SOUTHWICK — On Memorial Day the nation stops to pay tribute to those who lost their lives while serving in the U.S. military, and the residents of Southwick joined their fellow citizens to give their own thanks for their sacrifice.
“Today is a solemn occasion to reflect on the courage, dedication, and selflessness of those who gave their lives so that we might live in freedom,” said Jason Perron, U.S. Air Force veteran and keynote speaker for the ceremony at the town’s War Memorial.
“Those heroes came from all walks of life, different backgrounds, different stories but they shared a common commitment to defend the values and ideals that make our nation strong. They faced unimaginable challenges and dangers and many paid the highest price,” Perron said.
“As we pause here today, let us remember their names, their faces and their stories. Let us also honor the families who carried their memories with love and pride, even in the midst of loss,” he said.
“Let us live with gratitude and let us strive to build a world worthy of their sacrifice,” he said before recalling the words of former President John F. Kennedy.
“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them,” Kennedy proclaimed in 1963.
Before Perron, state Rep. Nicholas Boldyga (R-Southwick) spoke of the men from Southwick who paid the ultimate sacrifice, which included Herbert Castle in World War II, Richard Power and William Alamed during the Vietnam War, Stephen Wentworth in the Beirut bombing of the U.S. Marine barracks in 1983, and Travis Fuller during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
“Their courage alongside countless others from our community remind us that freedom is not free. It is paid for with bravery of those who stood in harm’s way from the battlefields of World War II to the conflicts of today,” Boldyga.
“Let’s carry the spirit of Memorial Day with us. Let’s pledge to continue to make our community a place where veterans are supported, where freedom is cherished, and community thrives,” he said.
Select Board member Diane Gale also spoke of the men and women who were lost.
“I offer tribute to those who sacrifice life and limb and gave honor to all who fell for the fight for freedom … They all paid a debt they didn’t owe and one we can never repay,” she said.
As the ceremony opened, Shirley Odell, a Gold Star mother who lost her daughter, U.S. Navy Petty Officer Nancy R. Odell-Liupakka, in 1987 in Italy, placed wreaths on the granite markers inscribed with the names of the town’s men and women who served in the military.
Father Matthew Guidi of Our Lady of the Lake Parish offered the invocation.
“Let us never forget those who paid so terrible a price to ensure freedom would be our legacy. Their names may face with the passing of generations, but we will never forget what they’ve done,” Guidi said.
And he asked for peace.
“Let us demand that no other young men or women follow them to the soldier’s grave unless the reason is worthy and the cause is just,” Guidi said.
During the ceremony, the Southwick Regional School Marching Band played a melody of service-related music, and as it closed, the haunting and plaintive melody of taps.
The ceremony was organized by American Legion Post 338 and its commander Darcie Rock spoke of the families left behind.
“As we pause to remember our fallen comrades, we need to take time to give thought to their families, their friends and to those who loved them. We cannot measure the depth of their loss nor can we comprehend the true measure of their sorrow. We will never forget their loved ones, their value, their sacrifice and the many good things they have earned for us,” she said.
