LONDONDERRY — There's a story behind each name carved into stone on Londonderry's Town Common. They are stories of sacrifice that bear constant repeating, said Don Moskowitz, past commander of American Legion Post 27.

Hundreds gathered around the town's Soldier's Monument on Monday as Moskowitz and other local veterans stepped up to the podium to honor those who served.

Monday morning's somber ceremony immediately followed a parade, which marched down Mammoth Road all the way to the Glenwood Cemetery and back to the Town Common.

“All told, over 1.2 million have given their lives so that we can continue to be free,” Moskowitz said. “They were grandmothers and grandfathers, sisters and brothers, aunts and uncles, and our sons and daughters. Yes, they were people just like you. And if you listen closely, you can still hear one constant and common refrain: Remember me.”

Fellow Past Commander Jim Sievert said Londonderry's Memorial Day Ceremony holds a special place in his heart.

“I've spoken at various venues over the years, but the first time I ever heard 'thank you' was on a morning like this when I was standing on Mammoth Road,” said Sievert. “We need to keep all of our veterans in our hearts and prayers as we continue to move forward.”

Sievert also spoke about some of the local residents who died while serving their country, including Marine Lance Cpl. Peter J. Sora Jr. and Marine Pfc. Eric D. Currier.

Sora, known by family and friends as P.J., joined the Marines in 2003 and died during a training accident in May 2004 while preparing for his first deployment to Iraq. He was 19 years old. He suffered fatal injuries during a Humvee accident while he trained at 29 Palms, California.

Currier, who had just recently been married, joined the Marines in 2009. He died at the age of 21 during a military operation while serving in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, in February 2010

A member of the 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Currier was already a decorated soldier at the time of his death, having earned the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal and the Afghanistan Campaign Medal.

“I ask you all to take a moment and say a prayer for those who will stay forever young,” said Sievert.

Acting Commander John McCarthy added, “Our tears and our sympathy cannot bring them back, but let us pledge ourselves anew to patriotic service.”