Acushnet honors the fallen with Memorial Day services

By Beth David, Editor

The Town of Acushnet held a ceremony commemorating Memorial Day at the Veterans Memorial Park on Saturday, 5/23/26, to honor the military service mem­bers who have given their lives in service to the nation. The ceremony included patriotic songs by the Ford Middle School Chorus; remarks by local officials; the laying of the wreath at the flag pole; an invocation by Pastor Lori Eldridge; and the reading of the honor roll by Lionel Demers. 

Close to 100 people turned up on a day that saw the rain hold off, but had overcast skies.

Keynote speaker, Bill Kligel, Commander of the New Bedford Chapter of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), gave a brief history of Memorial Day. He reminded people that the day is set aside to honor veterans who have died in war. 

Remember the meaning of the day before saying, “Happy Memorial Day,” he said.

“Some think saying ‘Happy Memorial Day’ puts the holiday in a more cheerful light, as opposed to the day of honor and remembrance it is meant to be,” said Sgt. Kligel. “Instead of saying ‘Happy Memorial Day,’ the Code of Support Foundation offers an alternative phrase: ‘I wish you a meaningful Memorial Day.’”

He noted that many people wear a poppies to honor America’s war dead on Memorial Day, a tradition that dates back to the poem “In Flanders Field,” written in 1915 by John McCrae. 

He also told the crowd that Presi­dent Bill Clinton signed the National Moment of Re­membrance Act,” which encourages all Americans to observe a moment of silence at 3 p.m. local time.

We all re­member someone who died due to military service and mostly those who died in com­bat, he said. 

“They all served for the value and belief of our country, our freedom and a way of life we will never allow anyone to take away,” said Sgt. Kligel. “We remember so we never forget why they served and what we defend: The American way of life and all who gave to preserve our value.”

“America is the home of freedom because of our brave,” said Sgt. Kligel. 

Selectboard member Bob Hinckley told the crowd they were there to remember the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to the country.

“These heroes came from towns just like Acushnet, from families much like our own,” said Mr. Hinckley. “Almost everyone here today has been directly impacted by someone who gave their life to protect yours.”

He said many never got to see the freedoms they helped protect because they made the ultimate sacrifice. Freedom is not guaranteed, he said.

“Liberty has always come at a cost. All the freedoms you have today were paid for by others that willingly sacrificed their own,” said Mr. Hinckley. “We own them more than words.”

He said to keep the memory of the fallen alive in how we live, how we help others, and how we remain united as Americans.

State Representative, Mark Sylvia, told the crowd we enjoy the freedoms because of the courage of those who served, and we remember those who never came home.

“Our communities are strong, made up of hard working deeply rooted people who understand commitment, duty and what it means to look out for one another,” said Rep. Sylvia, adding it is that spirit that sent people to serve, in every generation, every time.

The community also remembers the families, and the Gold Star families, who also made the ultimate sacrified, he said. 

“Our entire community mourns with you, and we’re here for you,” he said. 

And to active military and veterans he said, “We are deeply grateful for your service, for protecting us and ensuring we continue to enjoy what it means to be American: Freedom, liberty, and justice for all.”

Mike Jenney, the Commander of the Acushnet American Legion, said as he looked out at the crowd, he was “at a loss.”

“For such a small town, so many people have showed up to show their gratitude,” said Cdr. Jenney, adding that we have lost a lot of people over the year. “Because of you folks, hey will be remembered.”

“I love it,” said US Army Veteran Laurie Rollins. “I think it’s important to acknowledge veterans.”

She said she comes from a long line of veterans, so she was there not only for herself, but for her grand­father, father, and son.

The entire service is available on demand on the town’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7knhDk9v0is

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Click here to download the 5/28/26 issue: 05-28-26 MemDay

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