Canton remembers, honors our troops

Suzanne Terrio

Canton residents honored the men and women who have fought during the annual Memorial Day Parade down Washington Street and the proceeding ceremonies.

Safety officers, veterans, musicians, and Boy and Girl Scouts marched in the parade route, which ended at Canton’s Corner Cemetery where a War Memorial stands in honor of all the troops who have served.

American Legion Post 24 Commander Ed Walker recited the roll call of all the Canton residents who have served in the Armed Forces, with the fallen troops called out “absent.”  The wars they served in are Civil War, World War I, World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War and the Iraq War.

Congressman Stephen Lynch presented Veterans’ Affairs Agent Tony Andreotti , who served in the Army  during the Korean War, with a folded American flag that had flown over the Capitol in Washington in appreciation of his 16 years of service in Canton. On the state level, Andreotti assists veterans and their families with financial hardships.  At the Federal level, he assists with disability benefits or funeral arrangements.

The American Legion named World War II veteran Bob DeYeso as grand marshal. DeYeso read a poem titled, “A Veteran Died Today.” He also kept the memory of his fallen comrade who was killed in battle alongside of him during his time served in World War II by telling how he still keeps a picture of his fallen comrade and prays for him.

Students of Elaine McCarthy’s eighth grade class from Galvin Middle School read poems during the ceremony.

Lynch commended Canton residents for their unwavering support of their military families within the town who turn out in support each year. Lynch, who has repeatedly traveled to Afghanistan and Iraq, asks the troops, “what made you decide to join the military and serve your country?” The young men and women, he said, reply, “I have a family member who served in Vietnam, or a family member who served in the Korean War.”

He said that today’s men and woman are serving their country because they are led by example of their family’s hard work, dedication and pride in their country.