Memorial Day Salutes Veterans

Monument Square filled with families for a solemn yet festive Memorial Day tribute to veterans from Concord.

From poetry reading to singing and wreath-laying at the various war monuments, the town offered its thanks to the service of its sons and daughters in the armed forces.

According to tradition, the Independent Battery and Minute Men lay wreaths at Kenny Dunn Square in West Concord on Memorial Day morning, then march to St. Bernard's cemetery and Sleepy Hollow to lay wreaths in the afternoon.

Two jeeps filled with VFW veterans arrived, including Al Hastie, Jack Casey, chaplain, and Peter Orlando.

Rev. Margie King Saphier offered the invocation and the benediction. Alexandra Granato sang the National Anthem and God Bless America at the beginning and end of the hour-long ceremony.

In between, there were solemn moments where wreaths were laid at the monuments starting with the Civil Way. The soldiers from Concord killed in action were called out as heads bowed in the vivid sunlight.

"There are so many stories of sacrifice for the love and freedom ofthis country," said Nancy Crowley of the Public Ceremonies and Celebrations Committee. "We are here to pay our respects."

Veterans from the Civil War to Iraq were honored, including the Spanish American War, World Wars I and II, the Korean conflict, the Dominican Republic, Vietnam, and a soldier killed in peace time.

Mike Ryan read a poem called, "The Soldier."

The parade of veterans, in and out of uniform, marched to Keyes Road as the roadside filled with well-wishers of all ages.