ADAMS, Mass. — North County American Legion members made their way to the summit of Mount Greylock early on Sunday morning for their 89th pilgrimage to the state's War Memorial.

 

Speaker Cindy Lacoste, a retired petty officer with 22 years serving in the Navy and current member of the Department of Massachusetts Executive Committee of Women of the American Legion, spoke and recalled memories of fallen veterans.

 

"Memorial Day brings up so many memories to me, and I'm sure it does to you," she said. "But in 2003, I was deployed to the Middle East not knowing if I was going to make it back home. So the fact that I did, obviously, I'm forever grateful, and I want to make sure that I never forget the stories of those that didn't come back."

 

She recalled the story of a young soldier, Cindy Bowden, who was a freshman attending the University of Connecticut during the Gulf War.

 

She was enlisted in the National Guard and could have stayed home because of a back condition. But the daughter of a Vietnam veteran heeded the call.

 

It was soon after President Bush announced the ceasefire in Iraq in 1991 that Bowden was killed when her convoy struck a landmine.

 

"We can ensure that these memories of these heroes and their sacrifices are never in vain. We can ensure that future generations understand the importance of service, sacrifice, and honor. We can ensure that through our own community service that our country remains strong, free and prosperous," Lacoste said. "Today, we are the living. We are dedicated to continuing in the work of those who have gone before us. We are dedicated to preserving the memory of our fallen heroes and declare our unending gratitude and support for their families."

 

After the short ceremony, participants went into the memorial tower to lay a wreath. After that, they enjoyed breakfast at Bascom Lodge.