PHOTOS: Walpole Remembers Fallen Heroes on Memorial Day

The Walpole community gathered at its town common Monday morning to thank its veterans for their service and honor those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country's freedom.

But the ceremony had extra meaning this year as the town honored military hero and lifetime Walpole resident, Everett "Rocky" Rockwood, who passed away in January.

"While recognizing the ultimate sacrifice of all our brave service members, the town of Walpole is dedicating the flagpole to Everett C. “Rocky” Rockwood, local WWII and D-day veteran and the unofficial face of Walpole’s veteran community, who passed away in January," Walpole Veterans Services said via its Facebook page prior to Monday's ceremony.

Monday's Memorial Day ceremony was dedicated to Rockwood.

"On Jan. 5 we lost a very familiar face in Walpole’s veteran community, Everett A. Rockwood Jr.," said John Robinson, chairman of Walpole's Veterans' Services Committee. "He was a lifelong Walpole resident and graduate of Walpole High School. ... He was an important part of veterans services here in Walpole and truly was part of the Greatest Generation."

The annual service began shortly after 11 a.m. near the flagpole on the common, which was dedicated to Rockwood with a plaque. Girl scouts recited the Pledge of Allegiance, the Walpole High School band performed the National Anthem and local veterans read the names of military service members who passed away over the past year.

"We are here to honor all of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom, liberty and way of life," said Robinson. "All gave some, some gave all."

John Cogan, Walpole's Veterans Service Officer, thanked the community for their continued support.

"The support we get from the Walpole community is just tremendous and I’d just like to thank everyone for coming out here and showing your support," Cogan said. "The Patriotism keeps coming through more and more.

"I’d also like to thank the volunteers from a couple of weeks ago. I heard we had over 50 volunteers come out to place over 1,200 flags at the all the veterans markers and wanted to thank everyone very much for coming out to support us."

Robinson reminded the community that the names of Walpole’s dead from 20th century war are forever etched in granite on the town common memorial.

• Five residents from World War I
• Twenty-six from World War II
• Four from Korea
• Four from Vietnam