by Lonnie Brennan
Rains cancelled many parades in the region, but in Boxford and Georgetown, like elsewhere, Memorial Day remembrance ceremonies shifted indoors, as together, we honored those veterans who gave their lives in defense of our liberties.
In Boxford, Ian M. Fitch, Commander of the James L. Melvin Post #379 American Legion welcomed all into the First Church Congregational in East Boxford Village. Members of the community streamed into the large venue, where Reverend Gene Heacock gave the Invocation, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Millan Ladd, senior patrol leader of Scout Troup 57. Members of the Masconomet High School Chorus sang the “National Anthem,” followed by a reading of the first portion of the Declaration of Independence by Liam Judd, patrol leader of Scout Troop 51. The chorus then sang “America the Beautiful,” before Chuck Costello, chair of the Boxford Select Board, read the board’s proclamation.
MembersoftheMasconometHighSchoolChorus
Reverend Gene Heacock
Meanwhile, in neighboring Georgetown, residents sheltered inside the bays of the Safety Building as Select Board Chair Doug Dawes, Commander of the Rene J. Gagnon Post #440 American Legion, gave introductory remarks and led his neighbors through a mock-parade, with the virtual honor stops at memorials along the way, introducing speakers at what would have been an outdoor traditional gathering.
Members of the Police Department Honor Guard, Fire Department, American Legion, local scouts, members of the high school band, and veterans joined in to pay respects. In addition to readings, Taps, and veterans standing outside the bays in the elements firing their salute, Commander Dawes took time to remind us to work together in challenging times, recognized recently departed veterans, and also related that “you die twice,” once when you physically die, and the second time when no one says your name. He noted that as they decorate the graves of the fallen, they say out loud each veteran’s name, so that they are always remembered, and live on. ♦
Joe Soucy
Doug Dawes
