Springfield salutes those fallen

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - A salute to service and sacrifice took place this Memorial Day during a touching tribute at St. Michael's Cemetery in Springfield.

Fallen soldiers like Daniel Sullivan stood on the front lines in World War II. Others who battled the Japanese at Pearl Harbor fighting to make the land of the free were remembered.

Monday's Mass at St. Michael's Cemetery drew a large crowd of the faithful to salute the sacrifices of our fighting men and women.

"We have these rights because men and women throughout our nation have put it on the line to preserve it," Richard Tyrell, a Vietnam Veteran said.

Those who laid down their lives for our freedom were on the minds of many. As war still rages, Gold Star Moms and military moms alike paid tribute to their sons.

"I have a son who was in the service in Iraq and he came home safe. All these boys had to give their lives, we have to honor them," Gloria Russo said.

In western Massachusetts and across the nation those who paid the ultimate price were memorialized.