Politics & Government
Veterans Reflect on Importance of Memorial Day During Hingham Observance
Hingham's Annual Memorial Day Observance brought veterans and families together to honor those who have served.
When Donald Lincoln thinks of Memorial Day, several distinct images come to mind. Lincoln said that he first thinks of the USS Charles H. Roan, a Navy Destroyer he on which he served. Shipmates who passed on, a nephew currently in the Navy and a neighbor in the Air Force also come to mind.
Lincoln served as a Fire Control Man 2nd Class U.S. Navy from 1956-60, and is one of many veterans who took part in Hingham’s Annual Memorial Day Observance.
Capt. James Claypoole, who served during the Korean conflict, said Memorial Day is a day to remember U.S. war veterans.
Find out what's happening in Hinghamfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
“ [It's] one day a year that we set aside to remember those contributions of the men and women who came before us," Claypoole said. "It’s not a day to go to the beach.”
Chief Petty Officer Keith Jermyn served 1985-93 and is currently with the military after rejoining in 2001. Jermyn is also the director of Hingham’s Veteran's Services. He cites Memorial Day as an important time to pass on to younger generations, the memory of military members who have sacrificed for their country.
Find out what's happening in Hinghamfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Jermyn said Hingham’s event was “a fitting tribute to them.”
Jim Gorman, Officer of the Navy from 1950-77, also said that passing on knowledge to younger people and taking time to remember the sacrifices of military members who have passed are key parts of Memorial Day.
“It’s a great day to honor those who served, those who are still serving and for those who paid the price,” Gorman said. “Freedom is not free.”
Gorman said that Hingham’s event was a proper way to commemorate the American soldiers and their families, who have sacrificed for their country.
According to guest speaker and former it is necessary to remember the men and women who fought for the United States on Memorial Day. As long as families do so, it is fine to spend a part of Memorial Day celebrating at the beach. Casey cites Hingham’s events as an ideal example of how people should take time to honor those who have served.
“They came out here, they remembered,” said Casey. “That’s the important part."
