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Every day, thousands of cars zip by a pillar in the center of Dover. Atop the pillar, a statue of an eagle stands guard over the sleepy town. Beneath the eagle, a simple inscription: “Erected by the town of Dover in honor of her soldiers.”
After a dreary morning that threatened to cast a pall over the holiday, the sun returned for Dover’s 2016 Memorial Day. The 4 p.m. celebration, which involved a parade, ceremony at Highland Cemetery, and raising of the colors over Town Hall, was a somber recognition of the sacrifices of Dover residents who gave their lives for their country. The festivities were overseen by Grand Marshal Jay Sullivan and Memorial Day Committee Chair Carol Jackman.
Among those who addressed the assembled were Reverend Dr. Maxwell Olmstead, Senior Pastor at the Dover Church, who spoke at Highland Cemetery. Later, guest speaker James Yannes took the podium in front of Town Hall for further remarks of his own.
After the ceremonies, the George B. Preston Post #209 of the American Legion hosted an open barbecue for veterans and town residents.
For those who came, it was a poignant reminder that the eagle statue watching over the town center is not simply for show - it is a reminder of the gratitude that the town’s residents have for their servicemen and women.
