Union members at the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home organized a March 30 candlelight vigil to remember the tragedy that struck the residential facility one year ago. The event honored veterans and provided support to all those who experienced trauma in the disaster— whether they be staff, survivors or family members.
“The end of March marks the one-year anniversary of when the COVID-19 pandemic struck our Home, taking away at least 76 of our veterans,” said Joe Ramirez, vice president of the Local 888 chapter at the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home. He spoke on behalf of three unions at the facility: Local 888, the Massachusetts Nurses Association and SEIU NAGE.
“We are here today to remember the amazing veterans, who we knew so well. Who we cared for and sup-
ported, admired and treated like family. Their loss aches in our hearts,” Ramirez said. “In countless ways we have carried each other through this devastation. The hurt we all felt is intertwined and inseparable,” he said, addressing the families of the veteran residents who died. “But so, too, is our strength. ”Ramirez added that, “sharing our loss and grief gives us the opportunity to heal together.” He praised his fellow workers for their resilience, while acknowledging that, due to the sudden loss of so many near and dear to them, that “the trauma remains inside of us today. … leaving scars that will forever be embedded in our souls.”
“Together we witnessed horror and felt confusion, anger, sadness and grief,” he said. “We gather here today especially in support of our colleagues, to say: you are resilient, you are not alone, you are loved.”
He said that staff never strayed from their mission: “to treat veterans with honor and dignity.”
Rabbi Saul Perlmutter of Congregation Sons of Zion in Holyoke said “this is an emotional moment for many of us. This has been a difficult time, and it’s important to be together.” He talked about “Morality: Restoring the Common Good in Divided Times,” by Jonathan Sacks, and the importance of community.
“You, the devoted staff of the Soldiers’ Home have, throughout this most difficult and challenging year, … opened your hearts and given of yourselves, (sharing) with the veterans of this home so they could again find comfort and community, rather than being left to suffer on their own.”
Perlmutter said, “Your selflessness, your commitment to the veterans is exemplary.”
The Rev. Robert Gentile Jr. from Blessed Sacrament Church in Holyoke also spoke. The event was capped by a 77-second moment of silence and a rendition of “Amazing Grace” featuring a violin and accordion. Attendees held American flags, battery-operated and lighted candles, and flowers.