Inmate Veterans Hold Memorial Day Ceremony

(Concord, NH) New Hampshire State Prison inmates who served in the military gathered for a ninety minute Memorial Day ceremony on May 24, 2012. The event, sponsored by Chapter 161 of Vietnam Veterans of America, drew about fifty participants.

The ceremony was highlighted by offenders reading the names of New Hampshire soldiers still missing in action from the Korean Conflict and in Southeast Asia. Inmates also read the names of the New Hampshire servicemen who died in Iraq and Afghanistan. One inmate performed an original musical composition entitled “A Soldier’s Journey.” The men’s choir performed “My Country ‘Tis of Thee.” The ceremony ended with the playing of “Taps” on the bugle.

Guests met with the offenders including New Hampshire Veteran’s Home Commandant Barry Conway, Corrections Commissioner William L. Wrenn, and representatives from various veterans’ organizations.