GREENFIELD — Calling on the community to never forget, and never lose respect for, the sacrifices of veterans, Upper Pioneer Valley Veterans’ Services District Director Chris Demars recalled late U.S. Sen. John McCain’s legacy as a Vietnam War fighter pilot and prisoner of war in his Veterans Day speech on Monday morning.

“He was deployed to Vietnam and was shot down over North Vietnam when his A-4E Skyhawk was hit with a missile over Hanoi. He fractured both his arms and legs, and he was ejected from the plane and parachute-landed in Trúc Bach Lake,” Demars said of McCain. “Some North Vietnamese pulled him ashore, and instead of giving him the medical aid, which was bound by the Geneva Convention, they crushed his shoulder with a rifle butt and bayoneted him.”

Clarifying that he wished to speak solely of McCain’s heroism and character, not his political legacy, Demars went on to note that McCain opted out of his own release from the Hoa Lo Prison, where he was tortured and beaten, until the men taken prisoner before him were released.

Demars explained McCain’s exemplary conduct and sacrifice mirrored that shown by veterans throughout the community.

“Under torture and extreme stress, [McCain] kept his honor and integrity, the same honor and integrity he displayed when he was eventually released as a POW after five and a half years and started his life over again back in America,” Demars said. “There are veterans all over America, including here in Greenfield, who continue to serve our communities after they serve their country in the military. They may not be senators, but their impact is felt locally. They’re all around you and you don’t know it.”

The Greenfield Middle and High School marching bands played a medley of service anthems as scores of veterans marched down Federal Street from the middle school to Veterans Mall on Monday.

Veterans organizations that participated in the parade included local representatives from the Marine Corps League, the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Department of Disabled Veterans. Other community groups, such as the local Boy and Girl Scout troops, also marched.

Vietnam and Iraq War veteran Alan Jenest and Vietnam veteran Bill Phelps laid a wreath at the base of the city’s Vietnam War memorial as the Greenfield High School Band performed a rendition of taps. Afterward, Mayor Ginny Desorgher read Gov. Maura Healey’s proclamation recognizing Veterans Day across Massachusetts.

“Since the commonwealth’s earliest days, thousands of men and women have served our community in defense of freedom and liberty,” Desorgher said. “There are approximately 300,000 veterans living in Massachusetts. … We honor and salute those who served our country throughout the generations with honor, patriotism and courage.”

Montague honors veterans

Montague held a Veterans Day ceremony of its own on Monday at the Soldiers Memorial on Avenue A, featuring a surprise commendation to longtime Soldiers Memorial Committee Chair and Vietnam veteran Al Cummings.

Town officials, representatives of the Montague Elks Lodge and members of Boy Scout Troop 6 gathered at 11 a.m. to pay their respects. Selectboard Chair Richard Kuklewicz gave a speech, followed by the reading of the poem “In Flanders Fields” by an Eagle Scout. Montague Elks Lodge Exalted Ruler Justin Demers led the Elks Toast followed by a closing prayer.

“To all the veterans that are here today, we want to say thank you for your service,” Kuklewicz said in his remarks. “Your bravery and dedication shaped our nation, and we shall be forever grateful.”

Cummings was awarded a Commendation for Exceptional Community Service by Kuklewicz, Selectboard Clerk Chris Boutwell and Town Administrator Walter Ramsey.

Boutwell he wanted to put together the surprise to honor the work Cummings has done over his 27 years as a member of the Soldiers Memorial Committee, with the majority of that time being spent as chair.

After the ceremony, Cummings said he wasn’t sure what to say, but that he was honored by the unexpected commendation. Reflecting on his time serving in Vietnam from 1967 to 1968 in the Army, Cummings said he was injured during his service and he is thankful to have survived.

“I’m glad I’m here,” Cummings said. “I was seriously wounded in Vietnam.”

Anthony Cammalleri can be reached at acammalleri@recorder.com or 413-930-4429. Erin-Leigh Hoffman can be reached at ehoffman@recorder.com or 413-930-4231.