December 7, 1941, a “date will live in infamy,” was remembered 80 years later by Holliston’s veterans’ community on a brisk December morning. Several vets gathered in front of Town Hall for a brief, but meaningful, ceremony to pay tribute to the more than 2,400 lives lost during the attack on Pearl Harbor.
As the group assembled, WWII Marine veteran, Bob Hopkins recalled where he was and how he learned about the attack. He remembers going to work as a soda jerk that Sunday morning and hearing the news from customers at the soda fountain.
American Legion Post 47 Commander Steve Bradford opened the ceremony with a welcome to those assembled.
Bradford introduced Chaplain Ron Turcotte (below) who shared a prayer of remembrance and gratitude for those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation.
Legion Adjutant Walter McGrath and veteran Martin Spellacy slowly lowered the Town Hall flag to half-staff.
As the flag got to half-staff, bugler Joe Cibotti, played Taps for all the souls lost on that December morning 80 years ago.
To view the HCAT recording of the ceremony, click here -> https://youtu.be/zZz61IpMDUg
The vets moved into the Select Board conference room, that had been appropriately decorated by Donna Muzzy, to warm up. Bob Hopkins, mentioned earlier, is seen facing the camera at the right.
Holliston’s veterans are to be commended for keeping military service and sacrifice in the public’s awareness.