Honoring Memorial Day—2012

As a community that embraces its veteran population, Melrose has much to be thankful for in 2012, especially the . However, as we move towards the Memorial Day holiday, we must also take a few moments to remember our fallen heroes, those lost in combat and those lost here at home.

There are dozens of honored Melrose veterans who passed on in the last year, few more notable than , a Memorial Day Parade stalwart and veteran community guidon bearer. Many Melrosians have intimated that this year will not be the same without his presence. Yet, as he told me just a month before his passing, we must continue to keep our traditions alive.

We plan to heed those words and continue to remember those who served our country, especially those who gave the ultimate sacrifice to ensure American freedom. That is what Memorial Day is about—never forgetting.

To honor Memorial Day, we offer the following list of scheduled events. While some are celebratory, namely those marking the 100th Anniversary of the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall, others are somber occasions for reflection and tribute. Combined, the list encompasses the intention of our city to honor its veteran population, both living and passed.

We hope you will take part in as many of these events as possible. As American poet Joseph Drake once said, “And they who for their country die shall fill an honored grave, for glory lights the soldier's tomb, and beauty weeps the brave.”

Friday, May 18, 2012: 7 p.m.

An evening of music to honor our veterans, Soldiers and their Families featuring “United States Air Force BAND OF LIBERTY”

Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall

Please visit the Melrose Public Library, Mayor’s Office or Veteran Office, to obtain free tickets

Saturday, May 19, 2012: 7 pm - Midnight

Memorial Hall 100th Anniversary Celebration Gala

Soldiers Sailors Memorial Hall

Please visit www.melrosememorialhall.com for ticket information

Sunday, May 20, 2012: 1 p.m. Muster; 1:30 pm Kick-Off

Memorial Day Parade

Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall

Friday,  May 25, 2012: 8 a.m.

Memorial Day Breakfast and Assembly,

Melrose Veterans Memorial Middle School

Monday, Memorial Day, May 28, 2012

Veteran’s Breakfast: 9 a.m. - VFW Chipman Ave.

Decoration of the Graves: 8 a.m., Wyoming Cemetery

Flag Retirement Ceremony: 11 a.m., Wyoming Cemetery

Memorial Day Religious Ceremonies: 11 a.m., Memorial Hall

Memorial Day Cookout: City Hall, Noon

Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremonies: 1 p.m., WWII/Korean Memorial, Main Street