Canton honors those who paid the ultimate sacrifice
- John Fitts
- 2 hours ago
- 2 min read
Like many area towns, a rained-out 2026 Memorial Day parade didn’t prevent Canton officials and residents from taking some time to reflect and ponder.
“We are assembled here to honor the veterans who have given their lives in the service of our country,” said U.S. Navy Aviator (retired Lieutenant Commander) and program emcee Gary Miller.
“These services have been conducted continuously for more than 75 years. This is our humble tribute to those men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. They will never be forgotten.”
The ceremony included The Star-Spangled banner and taps, rendered by Canton High School band members Adam Drefs and Adam Kozikowski, invocation and benediction by the Rev. Linda Spiers and a Memorial Day Address by Col. Brian McCoullough, who served for 29 years in the United States Air Force.
Additionally, students read from the following:
The Gettysburg Address – Mason Blatchley
In Flanders Field – Alannah Carman
America’s Creed – Isabella Sokol
America’s Response – Brooklyn Klein
Deputy First Selectman Elizabeth Winsor read the names of Canton veterans who paid the ultimate sacrifice and joined United States Marine Corps Veteran pilot and Parade Marshal Thomas Goodwin (1961-1985) in placing a wreath in memory of the honored dead.
Miller also directed a moment of silence denoting the 105 patriots buried in Canton Cemeteries and the 250th anniversary of the founding of our Republic.
