By Seth Daniel
Diana Ramirez, a Gold Star Mother, acknowledged that while the loss of her son in Afghanistan during 2008 cannot be undone, events like Monday’s Memorial Day ceremony at City Hall provide some comfort in her grief.
Ramirez delivered the keynote address at Monday’s observance and served as Grand Marshal for the Girl Scout Parade. According to her, no one can truly be ready for losing a child in armed conflict.
“A young boy decided he wanted to join the military,” she said. “He joined the Army and two years later, he lost his life in Afghanistan. Time goes on, but the hurt never does heal. This community gathered here helps the hurt though. To see this group of kids here today. This is the medicine that helps our hurt.”
After her remarks, the DAV and PAV organizations placed wreaths to honor Gold Star Mothers and those who died serving their country.
Monday’s ceremony faced the possibility of inclement weather, though it held off long enough for the Chelsea High concert band to perform. Additionally, pupils from each elementary school—all bearing the names of fallen service members—shared accounts of the veterans their schools commemorate.
Veterans Service Officer Francisco Toro and Superintendent Mary Bourque expressed gratitude to attendees.
Nelson Rodriguez Ramirez, Ramirez’s son, was killed in Afghanistan in June 2008.
Specialist Rodriguez Ramirez was stationed in Rochester, NY, where he lived with his wife and daughter at the time of his death.
In Kandahar City, Afghanistan, he was killed when his unit encountered an improvised explosive device and small arms fire.
He was 22 years old.