Health & Fitness
Town of Dedham Honors our Fallen Heroes on Memorial Day …
The dark skies and early morning showers certainly didn`t dampen the spirits of what Veterans Service Officer, Bill Aitken, called “the best turnout he has witnessed in Dedham, for a Memorial Day Observation.”
Well over a hundred men, women and children came to the Brookdale Cemetery here in Town, to show their support on this solemn day, honoring our fallen servicemen and women.
The crowd was treated to displays and music from local military “honor guards”, along with those of the Dedham Police and Dedham Fire Departments.
Find out what's happening in Dedhamwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Bill Aitken opened the ceremony, reminding the crowd that 37,000 men and women in uniform from Massachusetts and 1.26 million nation-wide, have given their lives for our country.
Throughout the hour-long event, the message from each of those that spoke from the podium echoed the same. “Keep the memories alive, of those that served so bravely for our country and paid with the ultimate sacrifice – their lives – so that we could be free.”
Find out what's happening in Dedhamwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
State Representative Paul McMurtry thanked everyone for “coming together to pay tribute to those men and women who served in our military.” McMurtry`s sound speech was followed by Chairman of the Board of Selectmen, Jim MacDonald. Surveying the crowd, all of Dedham`s selectmen were in attendance, along with acting Town Administrator Nancy Baker and Town Clerk Paul Munchbach and family.
Norfolk County Veteran Service Advocate, Dale Kurtz, gave thanks to a fine job from the Town of Dedham, Bill Aitken, and our servicemen.
Recently promoted to the rank of Lieutenant-Commander, Senator Mike Rush used some famous quotes of notable Americans in a heartfelt speech, ending with “God Bless all of you and God Bless the United States of America.”
Bill Aitken turned to US Army veteran, Sgt. Matthew Munchbach, to place a wreath on a monument honoring all of our veterans. Taps played by a single trumpet played in the background.
Before wrapping up the ceremony, Aitken called on Father Sullivan from St. Mary`s Church in Dedham to give benediction. Aitken paused at the mike, looked around the crowd in front of him and tried to “squeeze in” all of those “who made this day possible.”
“Our local Commanders, our elected officials, Joe Flanagan and the DPW, Danny Tobin and the Cemetery workers, his Mom, wife, son and daughter – Thank You.” Aitken squared his shoulders and proudly led the crowd through the cemeteries gates!
Story and Photos by: Joe Kilroy
