COLCHESTER, Vt. (WCAX) – The Vermont Army National Guard Thursday got a head start on Memorial Day observances, honoring Vermonters who lost their lives serving our country.
From taps to a 21-gun salute, Vermont service members were remembered Thursday during a ceremony at Camp Johnson in Colchester
“There’s a reason we do this, and it’s to remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation — and in fact for people that they didn’t even know — to serve a greater good. And to me, that’s a message that shouldn’t be lost,” said Vermont National Guard Commander Maj. Gen. Gregory Knight.
At the annual ceremony, Gold Star families who have lost family members were given gold roses to be placed next to the names engraved in the Fallen Heroes Memorial.
“I remember them every single day. I think we all should. So, I think at the very least, yeah maybe a few minutes on Monday, you remember somebody. Think about it, think about the reason for the day,” Knight said.
Knight was joined by Governor Phil Scott in placing a wreath at the base of the memorial. “They served for a reason. They served a purpose much larger than themselves. I think it’s our obligation to not let that be squandered,” Knight said.