Memorial Day should not be the only day we remember those who died to preserve our freedoms, Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman told a crowd of Woodstock residents gathered for the town’s annual observance.
Looking out over the spacious Woodstock Academy green, Wyman said the vista reminded her of a Norman Rockwell painting.
“This is a special place to be in a wonderful community coming together on a special day,” she said.
Woodstock Middle School student Michael Rainville, 14, who won the Memorial Day essay contest sponsored by the Benson-Flugel American Legion, Post of Woodstock, told listeners, “we should honor, remember and celebrate those who died making America and the world a better place.”
Rainville, who also was the state essay winner, will take part in the National History Day competition June 9 in Washington, D.C.
Rainville said he originally wanted his essay to be about something that hadn’t been said already about Memorial Day. But he realized the message needs to be repeated so no one forgets the sacrifices veterans have made.
Fire Marshal Richard Baron was honored during the ceremonies as the town’s Firefighter of the Year.
Baron joined the Muddy Brook Fire Department in 1973 and has held several offices, including chief. He has developed and provided courses for local firefighters and has brought fire safety classes into local schools.
