Celebrating Memorial Day In Marblehead

The smell of hot dogs in the air, a perfect summer day and maybe even a trip out on the open waters. These are the memories Memorial Day often conjure. It's a day we stop and honor the sacrifices of those who have served our country. In addition, it's also the unofficial start of summer boating season. 

"To me, Memorial Day is a day to remember those men and women who have served in our country's military to keep our country safe and to allow us to have our freedom," reminds Harbormaster Charlie Dalferro. No matter how you decide to celebrate Memorial Day, Marblehead certainly has a lot to offer.

Though it is at the discretion of boat owners when to put their crafts into the water, Dalferro believes  this is the time of year most do opt to get back out on the water.

"Most any summer weekend you will see quite a bit of activity in and around the harbor as there are boat races scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, as well as pleasure boaters using their boats," Dalferro said. 

Dalferro, in his fifth year as Harbormaster, offers some sound advice for those planning on enjoying the water Memorial Day weekend and throughout the boating season.

"Take a boating safety course. Follow the rules of the road. Use common sense. Always have safety equipment on board and easily accessible, and keep it in tip top condition."

His final words of wisdom, which should be followed closely, "do not drink and operate a boat."

If you plan to moor a boat in Marblehead harbor, a permit is required and can be obtained through the Harbormaster's office. Also, boaters under the age of 13 are required to complete a boating safety course. These courses are offered by the  Marblehead Sail & Power Squadron, as well as through the Coast Guard Auxiliary.

Devereux Beach will see many sunbathers this weekend, even though the beach doesn't officially open until mid-June.

After its official opening, the beach will be equipped with appropriate staff and lifeguards between the hours of 8 a.m.  and 4 p.m.

Also during these hours, parking fees will be enforced for non-residents and residents who fail to obtain a facility sticker. Parking fees are $5 Monday through Thursday and $10 Friday through Sunday or on holidays.

The beach pavilions, which are both fitted with two grills, can be reserved through rental by obtaining a permit from the town. All permit information can be found through the Recreation and Park Department. The town prohibits open fires (bonfires), pets, glass and alcohol on beach grounds. 

For those looking to honor the meaning behind the holiday, Memorial Park is a wonderful place to visit on this day of remembrance.

Its benches allow visitors to relax while paying respect to Marblehead's Fallen Heroes. The park honors those who have died at war with memorials for all wars and conflicts.

If you haven't made plans for this weekend, Marblehead will be offering many Memorial Day services and events you can attend.

On Saturday, May 24, grave flagging will begin at Waterside Cemetery at 11 a.m. On Sunday, May 25, at  9 a.m., there will be a special veterans service at Our Lady, Star of the Sea Church at 80 Atlantic Ave. Veterans are welcome and invited to congregate at 8:45 a.m. On Monday,  a Memorial Day Parade at the Old Town House begins at 8 a.m. with procession to the Clark Landing service; the main parade begins at 9 a.m.