Dracut holds candlelight vigil honoring American lives lost in Afghanistan

DRACUT, Mass. — A candlelight vigil was held Sunday night in Dracut to honor the 13 American lives lost in Afghanistan.

A few dozen people gathered at Veterans Memorial Park, where a poster filled with photos of the fallen Marines was placed underneath the American flag.

For some veterans like Matt Elkins, the tragedy in Kabul felt personal.

“They are our brothers and sisters, even though we’re not serving anymore. We’re still a family,” he told Boston 25 News.

Elkins, Commander for the Greater Lowell Veterans Council, also spoke in front of the crowd.

“These men and women, they were in the crowds trying to get women and children to the gates when the suicide bomber came through,” he said.

Richard Silvio, founder of the WW1 Rededication Committee, was the person who organized the vigil.

“This is simply a time for you to come out and honor 13 brave men and women who died protecting our freedom,” he explained. “If we’re able to get together and share ideas and know that we are grieving, all of us are collectively, then we can help each other move forward.”

On Saturday, a few cities away, Lawrence came together to remember one of their own.

Marine Sgt. Johanny Rosario, a graduate of Lawrence High School who was identified by Pentagon officials as Marine Sgt. Johanny Rosario Pichardo, was among those killed in Afghanistan Thursday.

“I will ensure that the city of Lawrence never forgets her name,” said Lawrence Mayor Kendrys Vasquez.

It was a loss felt by so many, but one that has also come with a sense of profound appreciation.

“Just say thank you and appreciate the sacrifices that men and women and their families, because their families make huge sacrifices,” said Elkins.

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