Events: 2011 Archives

Today's observance of Memorial Day in Chatham was very well attended, even better than last year's. 300 would be our guess of those who followed the parade from place to place.

The total time for the parade and stops at the various memorials was just 1 and 1/2 hour.

At each memorial there were short prayers for the dead, gunfire salutes and the playing of taps.

The first at 10 a.m. was at the World War I memorial in front of what is now the Community Center.

To Oyster Pond for a wreath laid in the waves for those who died serving at sea and a wreath at the Korean-Vietnam Memorial.

Then to Sears Park at Main and Seaview for the Civil War observance highlighted by a stirring rendition of the Gettysburg Address by Scott Hamilton. (Imagine: Chatham with a population of just slightly over 2000 sent 263 men off to fight for the Union.)

The final stop was at the rotary where the Veterans Memorial is at the center of the rotary. There were short speeches; patriotic songs sung by We are the Men choir and a wonderful playing of Amazing Grace on the bagpipes. The parade was led by veterans (including Finance Committee Chairman Jo Ann Sprague in full uniform), Coast Guard personnel, police and fire personnel, boy and girl scouts, cubs and browies, the high and middle school bands and the high school music director and selectmen Roper, Seldin and Sussman.

It was quite moving. Thanks to the Public Ceremonies Committee. Well done.