SOUTHWICK – After the Veterans Day parade finished their march down College Hwy early Saturday afternoon, all participants in the parade as well as people watching, gathered at the Southwick Congregational Church.
Several people in the community circled around the Veterans memorial for a ceremony that would unveil the new Veterans memorial stone. The stone includes 28 military Veterans from Southwick that served in the Afghanistan, Iraq, and Gulf wars.
The veterans named on the stone who were able to attend the ceremony, were all sitting together. Master Chief for the Navy, Michael Jedrykowski, was one of the Veterans sitting in those seats.
Currently stationed outside Norfolk, Va for the Navy, Jedrykowski was a part of both the Afghanistan and Iraq wars.
Having the chance to speak at the podium to the crowd, Jedrykowski wanted to let everyone know that every Veteran on the new memorial stone was very appreciative for it.
Southwick Gold Star Mothers Mrs. Marie Alamed and Mrs. Shirley O’Dell place wreaths near the memorial stone. (Photo by Greg Fitzpatrick)
A life-long resident of Southwick, Jedrykowski rarely has the opportunity to be in his hometown these days, but addressed just how much the town means to him.
“I think about this place (Southwick) all the time,” said Jedrykowski. “It defined me as a person.”
Southwick VFW Post 872 was represented by past commander Matthew Egerton as he also spoke at the podium. A Veteran in the Vietnam War, Egerton couldn’t stress enough how grateful he is for the Veterans who have their names on the memorial stone.
“You have no idea what it means for you to take your time and defend my freedom,” said Egerton.
Southwick Lions Club’s past president, Mark Krynicki, spoke about his experiences with Veterans in Southwick and what the new memorial stone truly represents.
“It stands as a permanent thank you to your service,” said Krynicki. “On behalf of the Lions Club and (Southwick) Rotary Club, I thank all the Veterans that served our country.”
The Southwick Lions Club and the Southwick Rotary Club teamed up together to make the latest update to the Veterans memorial possible. Each organization raised $5,000 in order to have a total of $10,000 for the project that included the new wing as well as a brand new sidewalk leading up to the memorials.
Jedrykowski brought Select Board clerk Joe Deedy to the podium to thank him for all of his efforts towards the new memorial. Deedy, who is also a member of the Rotary Club, played a major part in making it happen. Jedrykowski awarded Deedy with a challenge coin, a reward that is given in the Navy.
Master Chief for the Navy, Michael Jedrykowski, addresses the crowd during the ceremony. (Photo by Greg Fitzpatrick)
VFW Post 872 members escorted the Southwick Gold Star Mothers Mrs. Marie Alamed and Mrs. Shirley O’Dell as they placed wreaths on the original memorial.
The original memorial was built in 1947 and included Veterans from Southwick who were in the American Revolution, and World War I and II.
Gary Allen, a resident of Southwick, first introduced the project and was recognized for his efforts at the ceremony. Resident Robert Polverari was also acknowledged for donating several of his own materials and equipment in order to build the new sidewalk leading up to the memorial stone.
While the new memorial stone was officially unveiled on Saturday, Deedy wanted to ensure that any Veteran of Southwick who is not yet on the stone, will still be able to be added onto the stone.
“We’re always adding,” said Deedy. “There’s always an opportunity.”
Deedy said that there are some Veterans that will be added very shortly to the new stone. If you know someone that should be added to the new stone, Deedy can be contacted at 413-569-1700.
