By Beth David, Editor
Fairhaven held its annual Memorial Day parade on Monday, 5/26/24, starting at South Street, marching along Main Street, and concluding with a ceremony at Riverside Cemetery.
Ret. Army Sgt. 1st Class William Kligel delivers the keynote address during the ceremony at Riverside Cemetery after the Memorial Day Parade in Fairhaven on 5/26/24. Photo by Beth David.
Keynote speaker Ret. Army 1st Class William Kligel reminded the crowd that Memorial Day began as Decoration Day to honor those who died in the Civil War that ended in 1865.
Mr. Kligel said even when history gives “details, thoughts, and traditions of Memorial Day, family and veterans chose remembrance and sorry in their own ways.”
He said he wanted to express how remembrance brings them back, “even if it is only in memory.”
Mr. Kligel said family is always remembered as those at home, “but there is a second family of people that veterans fight alongside of. A family they depend on to protect each other when their aggressors strive to take their lives.”
“No branch of service, race, or personal differences stops them from protecting each other,” said Mr. Kligel. “For a veteran never forgets those that they served with, especially if they die.”
He said the do it in the hope of returning to their “cherished family and friends at home. All while honoring our flag, the symbol of what life should be.”
Mr. Kligel asked the crowd to remember that when a veteran dies it affects their family and those they served with.
“Memorial Day remembers someon who died to protect our flag, the symbol of our beliefs, liberty and freedom,” said Mr. Kligel. “So in our hearts and souls their loss of blood and life will not be fogotten.”
Chuck “Hell On Wheels” Cromwell, rolls along in the Memorial Day Parade on Main Street in Fairhaven on 5/26/24. Photo by Beth David.
Veterans mourn their lost comrades as friends and family mourn. Remembering is honoring those who died.
“For if we remember they are never forgotten, and a small part is still with us,” he said. “All veterans who die do the same in their last breaths. Let their death not be in vain. Just remember why we have a Memorial Day.”
The program also included the singing of the National Anthem by Jennel Garcia; opening and closing prayers by Rev. Maiki Kamauoha, SSCC; a reading of the governor’s proclamation by Select Board chairperson Stasia Powers; musical selections by the Fairhaven High School band, including Taps; “Amazing Grace” on bagpipes by Bruce Webb; reading of the Gettysburg Address by FHS president Elizabeth DaCunha; reading of the town’s honor roll by SB member Charles Murphy; firing of muskets and the small cannon by the Fairhaven Villiage Militia; and opening and closing remarks by Emcee, Mike Jenney, Fairhaven’s Veterans Services Officer.
The public was invited to the VFW in Fairhaven for complimentary food and refreshments after the ceremony.
The parade and ceremony will be available on Fairhaen Community TV at www.FairhavenTV.com
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- Veterans who gathered at the VFW on Middle Street in Fairhaven pose for a group shot after the Memorial Day Parade and ceremony on 526/24. Photo by Beth David.
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- Three long time members of the Fairhaven police department, who are retiring within the next nine months, pose for the local free sheet just before the ceremony at Riverside Cemetery after the Memorial Day Parade in Fairhaven on 5/26/24, L-R: Lt. Kevin Kobza, Police Chief Michael Myers, Lt. David Sobral. Photo by Beth David.
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- Members of the Fairhaven Cub Scouts Pack 55 march in the Memorial Day Parade on Main Street in Fairhaven on 5/26/24. Photo by Beth David.
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- Members of the Fairhaven Village Militia fire their muskets during the ceremony at Riverside Cemetery after the Memorial Day Parade in Fairhaven on 5/26/24. Photo by Beth David.
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- Fairhaven Select Board member Keith Silvia hands a flag to Lylah (and Elijah) during the Memorial Day Parade on Main Street in Fairhaven on 5/26/24. Photo by Beth David.
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- Army veteran Jimmy Leal, who served in Korea, gives a big smile for the camera at the VFW in Fairhaven after the Memorial Day Parade and ceremony on 5/26/24. Photo by Beth David.
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- Veteran Army Corporal Gus Cote claps for the Fairhaven High School band during the ceremony at Riverside Cemetery after the Memorial Day Parade in Fairhaven on 5/26/24. Photo by Beth David.
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- L-R: Gracie and her adults, Pattie and Gary Pacella, watch the Memorial Day Parade on Main Street in Fairhaven on 5/26/24. Photo by Beth David.
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- Cousins (L-R), Isaac, Nora, Eli, Annie, wave flags while watching the Memorial Day Parade on Main Street in Fairhaven on 5/26/24. Photo by Beth David.
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- Fairhaven High School students, including members of the championship football team, carry a 30×50-foot American flag by the high school during the Memorial Day Parade on Main Street on 5/26/24. Photo by Beth David.
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Click here to download the 05-30-24 issue: 05-30-24 MemorialDay
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