PEABODY — City officials handed 25 Medals of Fidelity from the Commonwealth to family members of fallen veterans to honor those who made it home from war but died of war-related causes, such as post-traumatic stress disorder and exposure to Agent Orange, contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, toxic burn pits, or radiation.
Mayor Ted Bettencourt acknowledged the sacrifices made and hardships endured by veterans to make the country a better place for future generations during a Memorial Day ceremony in front of City Hall.
“We must always remember that heroism, pay tribute to their memories, honor their families, and never, never forget,” Bettencourt said.
Maj. Gen. Virginia I. Gaglio acknowledged that service-related injuries and deaths can be “visible or not,” and paid tribute to family members of veterans who had to endure the pain of separation and loss. Gaglio encouraged attendees to honor the legacies of fallen veterans by living their lives with courage, integrity, and compassion.
“By so doing, we honor their memory not only today, but every day,” Gaglio said.
Peabody Veterans Services Agent Steve Patten, whose team organized the ceremony, introduced Donna Ramos, a United States Marine Corps veteran who lives in the city.
In an emotional speech, Ramos talked about how she was unknowingly exposed to toxic water that she showered with and drank daily when she served in Camp Lejeune 43 years ago. As a result, she developed breast cancer, had a double mastectomy, and endured multiple pregnancy losses despite wanting to start a family.
“I am speaking today to stand up for everyone and those who are not here today,” Ramos said. “For those living with cancer… don’t give up, keep fighting.”
The recipients of the Medal of Fidelity on Monday were Charles H. Bramhall, Frank Bynog, Richard J. Coy, Scott W. Damon, Jacob C. Darnell Jr., Nelson Dionne, Max Feiner, Douglas W. Ferguson, Maurice T. Hallinan, Kenneth M. Hopkins, Frederick J. Howcroft, Paul S. Kelly, John A. Lavorante, Armand J. Leblanc, Leo J. Legault, David S. Molk, Kevin E. Murphy, Paul A. Pistone, Francis H. Reardon Jr., William J. Silke Jr., William J. Squires Jr., David J. Sullivan, George W. Stankiewicz, Mitchell C. Tobin, and James W. Wronkowski.
