By Beth David, Editor
Rain canceled the parade and forced the ceremony inside, but that did not stop about 200 people from commemorating Memorial Day in Fairhaven on 5/25/26.
More than 200 people packed into the Fairhaven Council on Aging/Senior Center to join the ceremony, which included remarks by State Representative Mark Sylvia and Veterans Services Officer, Mike Jenney; an invocation by Deacon Doug Medeiros; the reading of the Gettysburg Address by Boy Scout, Travis Barreiros; the reading of the town’s Honor Roll by Select Board member, Andrew Romano; the reading of the governor’s proclamation by SB chair Charles Murphy; Taps; the Pledge of Allegiance; and several patriotic songs by the Greater New Bedford Choral Society.
“Despite the rain there is an amazing turnout this year,” said Rep. Sylvia. “Which is an absolute reflection of how much we all value the sacrifice of the men and women who have fought and not come home, and the veterans who are here who fought so that we can all be free.”
Rep. Sylvia said we gather to remember and bear witness to make sure the names engraved on memorials “in our towns and in our hearts serve as a testimonial to selfless sacrifice, to love of community, of country.”
Mr. Mike Jenney focused his remarks on the “what ifs” in the lives of those who did not return. For the families who lost loved ones, Memorial Day is about reflection and sorrow.
What would life be like for those who did not come home, he asked, for their children?
“One will never know,” said Mr. Jenney.
They are questions too man parents have had to ask themselves.
“A parent should never have to bury their child but the reality is that millions have and will continue to do so in the name of freedom,” said Mr. Jenney.
He asked that people reflect on the fact that millions of brave men and women have made the ultimate sacrifice, “so that we may enjoy that hot dog, that hamburger, or a cold beer. For without their sacrifice we would not be able to enjoy all the freedoms we hold so dear.”
The ceremony is available at www.FairhavenTV.com
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- Vietnam Era US Marine, Dan Morris, Jr., salutes the honor wall during Taps at the Memorial Day Services at the Fairhaven Council on Aging/Senior Center on 5/25/26. Photo by Beth David.
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- Veteran Chuck “Hell on Wheels” Cromwell enjoys some sweets with his wife, Elaine, after the Memorial Day Services at the Fairhaven Council on Aging/Senior Center on 5/25/26. Photo by Beth David.
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- Greater New Bedford Choral Society Director, Brian Sousa, leads the chorus during the Memorial Day Services at the Fairhaven Council on Aging/Senior Center on 5/25/26. Photo by Beth David.
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- Troop 52 Boy Scout Travis Barreiros reads the Gettysburg Address during the Memorial Day Services at the Fairhaven Council on Aging/Senior Center on 5/25/26. Photo by Beth David.
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Click here to download the 5/28/26 issue: 05-28-26 MemDay
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