In a first ever virtual memorial day celebration, India Association of Greater Boston commemorated the 2020 Memorial Day with fitting tributes from war veterans, state legislators from all over New England, covid survivors and front line doctors. The event took place on Monday, May 25th, 2020. The day started with honouring the ultimate sacrifices of the many fallen heroes who died while serving in the US military forces and in line with in a true tradition of visiting memorials and cemeteries (virtual) and having family gatherings to remember these soldiers. The responsibility of being grand marshal for this virtual parade was taken by NH house speaker Steve Shurtleff. This was followed by New England legislators sharing their messages with community, starting with Congressman Mr Chris Pappas, MA State Senator Mr Jamie Eldridge, Nashua Mayor Mr Jim Donchess, Deputy Speaker Ms Karen Ebel, State Rep Ms Latha Mangipudi, MA state reps Ms Kay Khan and Mr Tackey Chan, Ex State Reps from VT Ms Kesha Ram, Ex state rep and current congressional primary candidate of RI, Mr Bob Lancia, MA community leader Mr Nam Pham & Ex-congressman Paul Hodge. NH Congresswoman Annie Kuster sent her tribute via pre- recorded video.
The speakers spoke of intense personal experiences and talked about how these sacrifices have given us the freedom and the way of life that we enjoy today. Speakers also urged people to remember on a daily basis the ultimate sacrifice given by our heroes.
In a year where we lost 93 veterans to COVID in HOLYOKE, Massachusetts, dedicated time was given to share experiences of COVID survivors and front line doctors fighting this ongoing battle. IAGB’s very own, past president Mr Anil Sehgal, shared his own experience of a successful battle that he had to take against coronavirus. Dr Charudutt Paranjpe & Dr Rekha Bhandari shared their own experiences of fighting this virus from front lines and offered advice to veterans and senior citizens.
In this time of being “Alone Together” More than 50 people, including many veterans and ex IAGB officers, joined this virtual parade on ZOOM and session was viewed by more than 3400 people across all of New England area.
So take the time, not just on Memorial Day but every day, and take a moment to say thank you to our fallen heroes. For those who never left the battlefields, we must hold them up in our heart and continue honour their memories.
