Fallen honored at Battleship Cove

This Memorial Day hundreds gathered aboard the USS Massachusetts in Fall River to pay tribute to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.

“To me it is a day to honor those who didn’t make it. Those who gave their life for the country, for the people,” said U.S. Navy veteran Thomas Lowny.

The ceremony at Battleship Cove included a 21 gun salute, the releasing of doves and the dropping of flowers into the Taunton River.

The flowers were dropped by family and friends of 35 veterans from Bristol County killed while serving during the Vietnam era.

“This is so huge to me. My brother was killed in Vietnam in 1969 and this is just an amazing day to honor him,” said Robert Tavares.

Many telling us Monday that it’s important for people to realize the difference that these people made in each and every one of our lives.

“It may be said many times but it is true. Without veterans we wouldn’t be here today,” said Vietnam Veteran Richard Benevides.

(C) WLNE 2015