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Politics & Government

Dedham Honors 'Heroes' at Memorial Day Ceremony

Town unveils nine "Fallen Heroes" street signs dedicated to men who died in combat.

Dedham displayed its patriotism this Memorial Day as the town celebrated its fallen heroes with a ceremony at .

At least 150 people joined local officials to honor those who died in war. Dedham VFW Commander Dana McQuaid, emceed the day's festivities. 

"It is only fitting that the nation chose the last Monday in May as Memorial Day," McQuaid said. "This day marks the beginning of summer. What day could be a more fitting tribute who died in the service to their country?"

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McQuaid, an Iraq War veteran, says the event provides an opportunity to support veterans currently serving overseas.

"Memorial Day means an awful lot to me," McQuaid said. "It's about honoring my friends who were killed in Iraq."

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The town dedicated nine "Fallen Heroes" street signs honoring 10 veterans who were killed in action. Families of the "Fallen Heroes" unveiled the signs to the public. 

State Representative Paul McMurtry, keynote speaker at the ceremony, acknowledged the signs' significance.

"Today is about honoring those who fought in wars so we can live in peace," McMurtry said. "These acts, no matter how small, honor our fallen heroes on Memorial Day and everyday."

A 21-gun salute from the Honor Guard and a moment of silence followed the sign dedication. 

The ceremony featured a state and local speakers, including state Treasurer Steve Grossman, Dedham Board of Selectmen chairman James MacDonald and Norfolk County commissioner Francis O'Brien. Each official stressed the importance of celebrating veterans' accomplishments. 

"This Memorial Day today has new meaning for many families across America because they have lost a loved one in Iraq or Afghanistan,"MacDonald said. "Today, Memorial Day for them has a completely different meaning because, for the first time, they are remembering their loved ones who gave the ultimate sacrifice in battle." 

McQuaid encouraged attendees to use the event as an opportunity to show respect for veterans.

"Memorial Day is not a day for solemn mourning," McQuaid said, "but [it is] a day for reverent celebration."

Correction: Due to a reporting error, a quote was erronously attributed to Francis O'Brien. This article has been corrected to attribute the quote to Jim MacDonald.

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