Hundreds in Foxborough Remember Servicemen Killed in Chattanooga Shooting

A Massachusetts Marine killed during a terror attack in Chattanooga was honored by hundreds during a vigil in Foxborough Sunday night.

About 350 people attended the remembrance ceremony at Foxborough Common for Gunnery Sgt. Thomas Sullivan of Springfield and four other servicemen who were killed during the attack.

The memorial was organized by the Foxborough Veterans Service Office and Hero Helpers, a local non-profit dedicated to assisting servicemen and veterans.

Near the grandstand were five flags with a photo for each man who lost their life in the attack. In the crowd, supporters wore red in honor of the four marines and Navy sailor.

“Tonight is not about us, Foxborough, or Massachusetts. It’s about the fallen,” Foxborough Veterans Service Agent Michael Johns said.

Speakers in attendance included Veterans Service Secretary Francisco Ureña, Marine Phil Giardino, New England Patriots rookie and US Naval Office Joe Cardona, Foxborough Selectman Chris Mitchell, Town Manager Bill Keegan, Newton VSO Seth Bai, and Bethany Congressional Church Pastor Derek White.

“We don’t stand here has individuals, but we stand here as a family together and united in support of the Chattanooga tragedy,” Hero Helpers founder and President Lauren Eliopolis said. “It’s what’s supposed to be done. Theses heroes lost and sacrificed their lives for freedom. It is an absolute honor to honor these victims.”

Giardino, who grew up in Foxborough, reflected on the support from the community for himself when he joined the Marines and for all members of the armed services.

“I think it would be safe to assume that no one in the crowd has been directly affected by the events of July 16, 2015, in the city of Chattanooga. None the less you have all taken the time out of your scheduled to be here to honor my fallen brothers and I can’t thank you enough,” Giardino said.

After the vigil, a small memorial remained on the grandstand. The public is welcomed to visit and pay their respects. At 6 p.m. Monday, a group of Marines will return to play Taps according to Eliopolis.

Earlier in the day, a wake was held for Sullivan in Springfield. A private funeral is scheduled for Monday.