Island veterans held a patriotic wreath-laying ceremony at Oak Grove Cemetery last Friday morning before an audience of some 70 children from the Tisbury School. The event was part of a nationwide observance that took place Saturday. Jo Ann Murphy, the Island veterans agent and a Viet Nam era veteran, spoke about those who have served this country and the need for all people, especially the young, to remember. The American flag was raised with the help of Cole Houston, 12, and Maggie Burke, 11 of Vineyard Haven. They assisted Gregory Spain of Vineyard Haven.

Bob Nute gave the invocation. Edson Rodgers played the national anthem and taps on the trumpet.

On a mild December day beneath a deep blue sky, Mrs. Murphy said: “We are all gathered here today at this memorial site and memorial sites all across America to remember that we are one nation with one flag. We are all proud to be Americans that live in a free society made up of many people, many races and from many walks of life. The freedoms we enjoy today have not come without a price.”

— Mark Alan Lovewell