SWAMPSCOTT — This Memorial Day, Iraq War veteran and Command Sgt. Major Bernard Madore addressed roughly 150 people at Swampscott Cemetery.
Madore, still a full-time soldier for the Massachusetts National Guard, served two tours of duty in Iraq. In 2015, Gov. Charlie Baker presented Madore with the Soldier’s Medal — the highest award any member can receive for acts of heroism not involving combat or war — for his actions during the Boston Marathon bombing in 2013.
After two bombs exploded 100 meters apart from one another at the finish line, Madore rushed toward the danger, established a secure perimeter, and helped police and first responders render medical aid to the wounded.
In his speech Monday afternoon, Madore did not talk about himself or his acts of heroism, but instead paid homage to those who sacrificed their lives in service to their country.
“This morning in Swampscott and in towns across this nation, people gather in solemn and unified remembrance to honor the fallen defenders of our freedoms. Freedom has come at great cost, paid for with the lives of our sons and daughters, husbands and wives, sisters and brothers, friends and comrades,” Madore said. “Every American owes a great debt to the courageous men and women who have selflessly given their all to defend and protect our way of life.”
Madore also referenced weekend memorials for two Swampscott soldiers who were killed in Iraq — Marine Capt. Jennifer Harris and U.S. Army Spc. Jared Raymond — as signs that the “legacies of these American heroes will continue on for generations to come.”
The event featured a performance of the Star Spangled Banner by Swampscott Middle School student Scout Myers and speeches from local and state officials including Town Administrator Sean Fitzgerald, Select Board Chair David Grishman, and state Rep. Jenny Armini (D-Marblehead).
In a poignant moment, Gold Star parents Jaclyn Raymond and Ray Harris, both of Swampscott, laid a ceremonial wreath in honor of all the fallen soldiers from Massachusetts since the American Revolution.
Madore dedicated the last line in his speech to the loved ones of those who fought and died for their country.
“To our Gold Star families – we stand with you and we pledge to always remember. God bless your heroes and God bless America,” Madore said.
Veteran’s Services Director Michael Sweeney said Monday’s event was one of the most well-attended Memorial Day ceremonies Swampscott has seen.
After the crowd left the cemetery, Sweeney, Madore, and Vietnam War veteran David Gustavsen raised the American flag from half-mast to full-mast, where it remained until sunset — an act that symbolizes the perpetual fight of the living for American ideals in honor of the fallen.
“More than 1 million American service members died in the wars and conflicts this nation has fought since the first colonial soldiers took up arms in 1775 in the fight for independence. Those who made the ultimate sacrifice so that we may live free of tyranny and fear believed in something greater than themselves,” Madore said. “They believed in the American way of life and were willing to die protecting it.”
