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Manchester VA honors America’s fallen heroes during Memorial Day Ceremony

PRESS RELEASE

May 30, 2023

Manchester , NH — Hundreds of Veterans, family members, caregivers, and survivors from across the Granite State traveled near and far to attend the Manchester VA Medical Center’s Memorial Day Ceremony, May 29, 2023, to honor and remember America’s fallen heroes.

“Memorial Day is a sacred day for America,” stated Manchester VA Medical Center Director Kevin Forrest. “And it’s dedicated to all those who gave their lives securing our freedoms, not only through words taken by oath to defend our country, but through their actions, by putting their lives at risk.”

The steps into the medical center, where many of America’s Veterans who ‘borne the battle’ to return home for care, was the stage to honor those who did not make it home—who died in service for our nation.

“This responsibility and duty of the living, occurs every day at the VA, and Memorial Day is a time to solemnly remember—to ensure none of us ever forget—our fallen, who, for nearly 250 years, have devoted themselves to the cause of liberty,” said Forrest. “We also honor those who went missing in action and remain unaccounted for.”

Sen. Maggie Hassan, Rep. Christopher Pappas, Manchester City Mayor Joyce Craig, and New Hampshire congressional delegation representatives spoke alongside Forrest with one voice recognizing the legacy of our fallen heroes and the continued support for Veterans.

A wreath presentation led by Gold Star Mother Helen Boudreau, accompanied by Forrest, reminds us of the ultimate sacrifice of servicemembers and families. The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Honor Guard framed the wreath laying, followed by the conclusion of the event with the Manchester Central High School Band playing Taps.

The heartfelt event is a labor of love for VA employees, spearheaded by Stella Lareau, chief of Civic Engagement and Community Development, and the team of dedicated medical center staff.

“Our Memorial Day Ceremony honors those who lost their lives defending our freedoms,” stated Lareau. “We also pay tribute to those Granite State Veterans who lost their lives over the past year, to not only remember their legacy, but to support family members with a remembrance rose. The survivors are woven throughout our communities, they are a part of our VA family.”

VA Manchester Healthcare System is part of the VA New England Healthcare System which includes eight medical centers, located in the six New England states. Manchester VA is comprised of one main campus located in Manchester and four community-based outpatient clinics located in Conway, Portsmouth, Somersworth, and Tilton. The Portsmouth outpatient clinic is located at Pease Air National Guard Base.

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