On Memorial Day Islanders of all ages came together at the Oak Grove Cemetery in Vineyard Haven to honor and pay tribute to U.S. servicemen and servicewomen who have died at war. The day began with a parade that started at the American Legion Hall. Led by a color guard made up of members of the U.S. Coast Guard stationed at Menemsha, the parade marched along Pine Tree Road around to State Road and finally to the entrance to the cemetery. The Tisbury fire department ladder truck held a flag high above the heads of the parade marchers as they entered the cemetery.
Marchers included an array of Island veterans, police and firefighters. Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts and Brownies. A car carried three senior veterans: Nelson Smith and Mike Smith, who are brothers, and Bud Oliver, commander of the legion. Fred B. Morgan Jr., a well-known World War II veteran, marched at the head of the pack.
The featured speaker was Richard Christopher, a Viet Nam veteran from Saugus. “It is a tremendous honor to stand here with you today, among fellow Americans who share my respect for the men and women who offer themselves up in defense of this great nation,” Mr. Christopher said. Standing nearby was his 10-year-old grandson Richard Barlett of Vineyard Haven.
Mr. Christopher, a former state commander for the Massachusetts Disabled American Veterans, praised the turnout and told a series of brief stories that came out of past wars.
“For many, Memorial Day stirs nostalgic memories of the past and marks the beginning of a more leisurely, carefree summer spirit. As a deeply patriotic American, it warms my heart to see so many of you here today taking time out of your busy schedule to pay respect to those who have given their lives for this country,” he said.
Mr. Christopher presented the county veterans agent Jo-Ann Murphy with a citation in recognition of her work in helping Island disabled veterans. The citation came from the Disabled American Veterans organization in Washington, D.C., and was signed by its commander.
Young children helped raise the American flag. Edson Rodgers of Edgartown played God Bless America on the trumpet and the crowd sang along.
Natalie Wood sang the national anthem.
Joseph Gervais, accompanied by a pianist, sang If You’re Reading This.
Wreaths were placed in remembrance of those who had served. Mike Carroll, a retired fireman, placed a wreath in memory of those who died on Sept. 11, 2001.
Renee Ortiz placed a wreath in remembrance of those who served in Viet Nam, including her first husband, Jon Grimmett, who died in that war.
Priscilla Thifault, a member of the Ladies Auxiliary with the American Legion, placed a wreath on the directory, which lists over 400 names of those honored and remembered in the Avenue of Flags.
In a solemn moment at the podium, Mrs. Murphy read aloud the names of 34 veterans who died in the past year, nearly all of them World War II veterans.
After the playing of Taps, marchers walked to the northern end of the cemetery to the Civil War monument to the unknown soldier. A prayer was said by Father Thomas C. Lopes and a wreath placed at the foot of the stone.
Mrs. Murphy said later she was moved by the turnout this year. “It was great to see the number of kids. I was pleased to see the members of the fire department, police department, the Boys and Girls Scouts. We had a lot of help this year,” the veterans agent said.
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