Gov. Baker Speaks At Memorial Day Ceremony In Dorchester

BOSTON (CBS) -- Gov. Charlie Baker spoke to a packed Florian Hall in Dorchester, where a Memorial Day ceremony was held due to rain.

An American flag was lowered at McKeon AmVets before the ceremony, which took place at the banquet building around 10 a.m. on Monday.

Following a presentation of the colors and bagpipers, there was a wreath ceremony to honor those killed in service to the nation.

The governor remembered the men and women killed in America's wars including the Battle of Normandy.

"Many of those men had to know that this was going to be their final act and yet they did it anyway," Baker said. "

37,202 Massachusetts residents have died since the Revolutionary War, according to Baker.

"They walked away from families, from friends, from jobs, from safety to put themselves in harm's way on behalf of this nation, their neighbors and their fellow Americans," he said. "That is why you are all here today."

Baker spoke briefly about the Massachusetts Fallen Heroes Memorial, a 50-foot tower that was constructed South Boston in the Seaport District, and what it represents.

"It is so important that we honor and we remember those who served and those who paid the price," he said, "Because we are the beneficiaries of their sacrifice.

WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Ben Parker reports

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• Memorial Day