BY MATT SCHOOLEY

As Sunday afternoon became evening, a large group of Hopkinton residents stood in the center of town with candles in hand.

The flames not only served as a small source of warmth for those in attendance at Civil War Park, but also to honor those who are serving and have served in the armed forces this Veterans Day.

“I came out here to show my respect and admiration for the people who have served,” said *** Hesse, as he stood looking at one of the memorials in the park. “It needs to be 365 days a year that we think of these people, but it is important that we set aside one day and make it special.”

The ceremony, which took place on Sunday, Nov. 11, was well attended by town members, and included speeches by multiple veterans and members of the crowd singing “God Bless America.”

“It’s a wonderful thing to keep alive the spirit,” said Fred Finnerty, who served in the Army for three years during the Korean War. “It’s absolutely paramount to keep these people in our mind who have given so much. Sometimes we tend to forget during the year, so it’s nice to have this recognition.”

Sandy Bender, a 20-year Navy submarine veteran whose service lasted from 1983-2003, compared the day to another important holiday during the year.

“It really is like when you think about your child’s birthday. It’s a celebration of life and the things that we have today,” said Bender, who read a passage during the ceremony. “It isn’t necessarily a time for me to reflect on my service, but a reminder of those who are still there, those who are on the front lines.”

Bender said the playing of “God Bless America” and “The Star-Spangled Banner” still move him.

“You don’t forget something like that, and the feeling it gives you hearing that no matter how long you serve,” he said.

George Langwasser, chairman of the Hopkinton Board of Selectmen, was a member of the U.S. Navy, where he spent most of his time on aircraft carriers.

He was impressed to see the recognition he and his fellow veterans received at the ceremony, when members of the town both young and old came out in the brisk November weather.

“It was very nice to see. The town has done very well in organizing this,” said Langwasser.

“It’s very important, and we need to recognize those people. We may not be here enjoying the liberties we sometimes take for granted if not for them.” “We are able to take the opportunity to pause and remember the past, while also looking to what is hopefully a brighter future,” he said.