By Beth David, Editor
In lieu of the parade that was canceled due to COVID-19 restrictions, the town of Fairhaven created a video to remember those who served in the military and are no longer with us. On May 14, veterans and town officials gathered at the Veterans Memorial on Route 6 in Fairhaven to commemorate Memorial Day.
Fairhaven Community Media recorded the event and added footage of the dedicated of Fall River’s Vietnam Wall replica, the Memorial Day ceremonies from 2006, including the raising of the big flag, and the placing of flags at the gravestones of veterans in all Fairhaven cemeteries. The video includes the reading of the Gettysburg address by Nina Medeiros, the singing of the national anthem, Fairhaven Veterans Agent Brad Fish reading the names of the Fairhaven veterans who died this year, and his reading of the governor’s proclamation and the Memorial Day Prayer.
At the ceremony on 5/14, Staff Sgt. George Brownell, Sgt. at Arms at Fairhaven VFW 2892, emceed. He said although the even was different than most years, but like last year’s, the important part is to remember the people ho have fallen.
“That’s why we’re here,” said Mr. Brownell.
He said it was especially emotional to be where he could see the high school, where many of his classmates went through the doors and then off to a “very unpopular war,” Vietnam.
“Many of them never came back,” he said. “So on this day we try to remember the fallen.”
Mr. Brownell said he looked forward to “a better U.S. where we can be cohesive in our country.”
Deven Robitaille, commander of VFW Tuttle Post 7239 in Acushnet said that Memorial Day was about remembering the troupes and our fallen soldiers.
“As you enjoy your families and cookouts, always remember the core reason for Memorial Day,” said Ms. Robitaille.
She said it was important to honor young veterans, and it is also important for young veterans to get involved.
“The VFWs need our help,” she said.
Selectboard member Bob Espindola noted that everyone is really looking forward to the future, when we can get back out for Memorial Day, July Fourth and Veterans Day parades, saying they are “really part of the fabric of our community,” and the parades recognize those who served the country in the past.
He said he applauded the work of those doing something special to recognize the day.
Even though there is no parade this year for Memorial Day, he said, “I really look forward to the future when we can get back out in the street and do it right.”
“It’s coming,” said Mr. Espindola.
To see the video, visit https://www.fairhaventv.com/single-post/memorial-day-ceremony-2021
The Fairhaven Lions Club also planned events for Memorial Day, including the raising of the big flag, but postponed the events until Sunday, 6/6. See page 5 for details.
- Veterans and members of the Fairhaven Fire Department color card present arms at the end of a ceremony on 5/14/21, for a video that was released on Memorial Day in lieu of the parade that was canceled due to COVID 19 restrictions. Photo by Beth David.
- Fairhaven Selectboard member Bob Espindola speaks, while L-R Fairhaven Veterans Agent Brad Fish and St. George Brownell listen during a ceremony on 5/14/21, for a video that was released on Memorial Day in lieu of the parade that was canceled due to COVID 19 restrictions. Photo by Beth David.
- Deven Robitaille, commander of VFW Tuttle Post 7239 in Acushnet speaks while (L-R) Fairhaven Veterans Agent Brad Fish, Selectboard member Bob Espindola, and emcee Staff Sgt. George Brownell, listen during a ceremony on 5/14/21, for a video that was released on Memorial Day in lieu of the parade that was canceled due to COVID 19 restrictions. Photo by Beth David.
- Members of the Fairhaven Fire Department color guard (L-R) Chief Todd Correia, Maggie Debrosse, Shawn Grajales, Shawn Oliveira, Antone Medeiros, Deputy Chief Joy Nichols, participate in a ceremony on 5/14/21, for a video that was released on Memorial Day in lieu of the parade that was canceled due to COVID 19 restrictions. Photo by Beth David.
- Surrounded by fellow veterans and the Fairhaven Firefighters Color Guard, Staff Sgt. George Brownell, Sgt. At Arms at Fairhaven VFW 2892, speaks during a ceremony on 5/14/21, for a video that was released on Memorial Day in lieu of the parade that was canceled due to COVID 19 restrictions. Photo by Beth David.
- Fairhaven Veterans Agent Brad Fish speaks while L-R: Fairhaven Selectboard member Bob Espindola, and emcee Staff Sgt. George Brownell, listen during a ceremony on 5/14/21, for a video that was released on Memorial Day in lieu of the parade that was canceled due to COVID 19 restrictions. Photo by Beth David.
- L-R: Jack Daley and Bill Kligel share a moment with the local free sheet (while Fairhaven Fire Chief Todd Correia photobombs the shot) after a ceremony on 5/14/21, for a video that was released on Memorial Day in lieu of the parade that was canceled due to COVID 19 restrictions. Photo by Beth David.
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