NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Veterans day looked different in Berkshire County this year and instead of holding parades and large gatherings, communities opted for smaller ceremonies in line with COVID-19 safety precautions.

 

The American Legion Post 125 held a small gathering outside of the shuttered Legion post home instead of the usual large ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park. 

 

"I know that this year our gathering is smaller and more socially distanced, but it is no less respectful and no less celebratory," Mayor Thomas Bernard said. "... Unlike Memorial Day which is set aside specifically for those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service, Veterans Day asks us to acknowledge everyone who has worked to secure the freedoms that we enjoy."  

 

Bernard honored local fallen servicemen as well as those who returned home to build lives in North Adams. He specifically asked attendees to remember Frank Merrigan who passed away at the age of 95 last week. Bernard said Merrigan, an Army veteran and former teacher, made North Adams a better place.

 

There was no parade this year but members of the Drury high band were present to play the "Star-Spangled Banner" and members of the local Boy Scout troop led the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

Keynote speaker Senior Vice Cmdr. Mitchell Keil of Post 125 said Veterans Day is his favorite holiday.

 

"On these two days I connect with everybody that I have served with," he said. "My brothers and sisters. This is the one time of year we all send each other messages and call each other on the phone."

 

Keil spoke to the importance of this brotherhood and specifically the importance of the American Legion. He said he is grateful to be part of the American Legion "family" that has brought something special to his life. 

 

He did acknowledge that the Post 125 membership is not getting any younger.

 

"Our organization is in trouble. Look around at the color guard and those involved in this ceremony," he said. "They are getting older, and I am struggling to find people to help me take this next step and keep this organization alive."

 

Master of ceremonies and former commander Dennis St. Pierre added that in addition to needing new membership, Post 125 has been unable to open during the pandemic and is struggling.

 

"This Legion has been serving this community for 100 years, and we want to be here longer," he said. "We are not ready to throw in the towel but we need to open up. We need help from our city ... we have been here for 100 years and now we are asking everybody for some help."

 

The Boy Scouts then led a flag burning ceremony before concluding the day's itinerary.

 

Williamstown's Richard A. Ruether American Legion Post 152 held an observance at Eastlawn Cemetery at 11:11 a.m. and a ceremonial flag burning afterwards. 

 

In Pittsfield, city and state officials honored veteran Anthony Pastore as the Berkshire Veterans Coalition 2020 Veteran of the Year.

 

"As the 2020 Veteran of the Year, I hope to do honor to all of our previous veterans that received this award," Pastore said. "Many of them for a lot more than I ever did."

 

Pastore, who is well known for singing the national anthem at veterans events, was given a plaque and his name will be engraved into a bench of honor in Veterans Memorial Park, where Wednesday's ceremony was held.

 

Chaplain of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 448 Richard Kurek said Pastore served the country in the highest military tradition, and has continued to serve the community long after taking off his uniform.

 

A native of Pittsfield, Pastore enlisted in the Army in March 1943 at the age of 18. He served in World War II and saw action in North Africa, Italy, Germany, and France.

 

Pastore, as usual, sang the "Star-Spangled Banner."

 

Mayor Linda Tyer spoke at the ceremony and thanked all veterans for not only serving the country but being an important part of the community.

 

"These special occasions where we honor our veterans are always extremely powerful and meaningful to me. And to all of you who served our great nation, the city of Pittsfield thanks you for your service," Tyer said. "We honor you today, and we also work to protect you in the days ahead to ensure that you have all that you need for your freedoms and your liberty and your peace as you live through the remaining days of your time in our community. Thank you for serving our country, but mostly thank you for being a part of our community and for your constant presence, reminding us of the sacrifices that you and your families have made."

 

Director of Veterans Services John Herrera, who led Pittsfield's ceremony, presented a letter of appreciation to Henry Hank Morris for fabricating a storage bin for the grave markers that the city purchases to support the American flags that are placed at the veterans' gravesite every Memorial Day.

 

Morris used recycled materials from the Vietnam-themed veterans float that has been used in previous parades to construct the bin.

 

In Adams, American Legion Post 160 held a small ceremony outside of Town Hall.

 

"On this day, Veterans Day, we pay tribute to those who have served and we remember those men and women who set aside their civilian pursuit for the nation's cause," master of ceremonies Norman Schutz said. "They defended the freedom of mankind and preserved our precious American heritage."

 

Post 160 members David Smachetti and Don Sommer read the names of Adams' fallen.

 

Before the ceremony, Schutz called for a moment of silence in memory of Selectman James Bush, who passed earlier this year.

 

Bush spearheaded the effort to install the veteran banners throughout the downtown.