Master of ceremonies Mike Whalen (left) looks on as new Veterans Celebration Committee member Margaret Rajkovich speaks to attendees at Tuesday’s Veterans Day ceremony. PHOTO/NICK SCHOFIELD

Tuesday’s Veterans Day ceremony at the Hopkinton Senior Center focused as much on the past as it did on the future with the inclusion of a new generation of Hopkinton veterans.

The ceremony featured two new members of the Veterans Celebration Committee. Steven Smith, an Air Force veteran, gave a short history of “In Flanders Fields” before his daughter recited the poem for the audience.

Following a speech from Select Board vice chair Shahidul Mannan, Margaret Rajkovich — another Air Force veteran — provided brief remarks. She reflected on her motivations for joining the Air Force and the impact of her service on her life.

“We are all here to celebrate each others’ service, and although we may be the ones that survived, we did not leave unchanged,” concluded Rajkovich. “We owe each other a measure of respect for doing our part.”

During his speech, Mannan invited residents to reflect on the sacrifices veterans have made and the “deep roots of service” in Hopkinton. Highlighting some of the town’s more famous veterans, Mannan also recognized those who might not get as much honor and attention.

“Veterans Day is also about the many whose names we may never read on a plaque or see on a museum display,” he said.

Added Mannan: “Service takes many forms, but its spirit is the same: showing up for your community and your country when it matters most.”

Master of ceremonies and American Legion member Mike Whalen took time to recognize Hopkinton-born veterans who passed away since last year’s ceremony. The list included: Paul Sheehan, Herbert Tebo, Bill Magrini, James Pyne, Mike McBride, William Cowern, Robert Champney, Wesley Rockhold, Bernie Garron, Raymond Himmel and Fred Harris.

In his own remarks, Whalen mused about the future of military engagement, where drone warfare could limit human casualties. However, he gave a stark assessment of the present moment. 

“In reality, the human race remains tragically caught in a cycle of violence,” he said. “We must accept the ever presence and existence of evil.”

Whalen emphasized the importance of a national military for its role in answering potential threats and deterring adversaries. As well, he touted the financial benefits the military provides for both soldiers and the greater economy.

In closing, Whalen offered a commitment to the future. “Soon it will be time to hand off the baton of liberty and freedom to the next generation, but until then, we will finish strong.”