Fall River honors fallen veterans

By: Ross Perry

Email: Rtperry@abc6.com

Twitter: @RossTPerry

FALL RIVER M.A. (WLNE)  – It was a somber and emotional tribute to local fallen soldiers as their families and fellow veterans gathered today on the USS Massachusetts to remember them.

Thirty-six names ringing out over Battleship Cove, each a soldier from Bristol County who has made the ultimate sacrifice, losing their life to honor their country.

"Today is the day to recognize the true cost of our freedom and all of the things that we have, and that is the human cost" said U.S. Marine Corps LT. COL. Timothy Powledge at Mondays ceremony.

Their family members and fellow veterans, one by one tossing a flower into the Taunton river, a tribute to their loved ones.

Fall River Mayor Jasiel Correia adding "We could not be here, living in this great country and enjoying the freedoms that we have without the sacrifice that your loved ones made for us."

For Army veteran Alan Jenest who served in both Vietnam and Iraq, today isn’t just about remembering those lost, but also being thankful for the life he has been able to live. He knows that not all shared the same fate.

"For veterans who have survived combat … it’s very important to come out and take time out of one’s day to honor those who did not survive war" Jenest says.

To help finish the ceremony, sounds of the 21–gun salute echoing across Battleship Cove, sending a reminder to all of the price these troops paid.

 This is the 27th year that Battleship Cove has put on this ceremony.

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