By Barbara A. Preston for The Montgomery News | May 25, 2026
Veterans, a U.S. Naval Academy midshipman, scouts, first responders, and politicians gathered inside the Otto Kaufman Center to observe Memorial Day in Montgomery Township on Monday, May 25.
Montgomery Mayor Neena Singh thanked the Veterans Memorial Committee and its chairperson Dimitra Bairaktaris for pulling together the ceremony in honor the township's hometown heroes.
"We are proud to hold the honorable distinction of being a Purple Heart Community," Mayor Singh said at the event. "We gather today to pause, reflect, and honor the brave men and women of our country."
Prior to the ceremony, Montgomery Deputy Mayor Vince Barragan reflected on the meaning of Memorial Day. Barragan is a served his country in the US Army as an infantry officer, then graduated from the US Army’s Airborne and Ranger schools and was assigned to the elite, 173rd Airborne Brigade based in Vicenza, Italy. He deployed to Operation Iraqi Freedom for combat operations for which he earned the Bronze Star Medal and Combat Infantryman
Badge.
Barragan told The Montgomery News about his memory of 1st Lt. David Bernstein, nicknamed “Super Dave,” who was killed in action near Kirkuk, Iraq, on October 18, 2003.
Bernstein, a wonderful, beautiful man, in his prime, always comes to mind on Memorial Day for Barragan. "Has was a great friend, whether planning an operation or R&R during Oktoberfest. He exemplified the best of our nation and had a bright future. But instead, he gave the ultimate sacrifice for his nation."
"We can best honor those who sacrificed their lives for us by living our best lives – especially in civic and community service."
Barragan's plans for Memorial Day started with attending the Montgomery Memorial Day Ceremony at 9 am.
"I feel good about doing that at least," he said. "But then the days goes into like so many others – grill or cook inside, excitement for the unofficial start to summer, and finally preparing for work. But that’s not why we have the day off.
"We have the day off to mourn the military personnel who died in the line of duty. Those promising lives that were cut short in defense of our nation. How do we do that? Yes, mourning and remembrance is important. However, we can best honor those who sacrificed their lives for us by living our best lives – especially in civic and community service.
"I fail more than I succeed," Barragan said. "But on Memorial Day, I always feel Dave’s presence and it reminds me what I owe him and many others. The debt can never be fully repaid."
Advertisement
Mayor Singh reflected on the difference made by her father-in-law, who was a member of the Indian Armed Forces and served in World War II.
"He served with 2.5 million fellow Indian soldiers," Sing said. "Through his service and the service of American military members, I am standing before you today, a naturalized citizen who has the privilege of giving back to her community as mayor.
"Montgomery is a beacon of liberty, where the sacrifices made by our military service members in the fight for freedom are illustrated. We are able to go about our daily lives - receive education, open businesses, make scientific discoveries, enjoy theatrical performances, take our family to the ballpark ... because of our local heroes."
"Let us never take for granted these freedoms we enjoy today, for they were purchased at the ultimate cost."
