Memorial Day ceremony pays tribute to vets

By Lisa Moore
Hometown Weekly Correspondent

Memorial Day is the day Americans honor the men and women who died while serving in the U.S military. Originally known as Decoration Day, the holiday was created in the years following the Civil War. Established by General John A. Logan, a leader of an organization for Northern Civil War Veterans, May 30, 1868 was designated for the purpose of honoring those lost in battle defending their country. The 30th was chosen because it was not the anniversary of any particular battle. In 1968, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which designated the last Monday in May as Memorial Day to give a three-day weekend to Federal employees. Thus, Memorial Day became a federal holiday.

Keeping with the tradition of honoring Veterans on May 30, Wellesley held its Memorial Day ceremony last Tuesday, drawing a small crowd around the monument in front of Town Hall. Chaplain Robert Blake opened the ceremony, calling attendees to observe a moment of silence in memory and honor of all those who lost their lives serving this country. Ken Johnson then read the names of those Wellesley service men and women who lost their lives while serving in the military during the time of the Civil War through today. Finally, Lorelei King read the poem “Please Remember Me” by John DeRusso.

As part of the ceremony, members of the Board of Selectman were in attendance to present the War Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship is given to a Wellesley student with a family member that is a veteran to support higher education efforts. This year’s recipient was Alyssa Cimino. Ms. Cimino is the President of the National Charity League and has given back to those who serve by sending holiday cards and gifts to soldiers away from home on the holidays. She intends to attend Saint Michael’s College in the fall.

The ceremony ended with a somber rendition of “Taps” played by two buglers - one an echo of the first - and a reading of the names of those Wellesley veterans that have passed away since last Memorial Day. The afternoon ceremony was a fitting tribute to those that payed the ultimate price in service of this country.

Like a line from the poem “Please Remember Me” that states, “I will never forget my America, I pray she remembers me,” it is important to remember and thank all of those who serve this country and never forget the sacrifices so many men and women have made on behalf of us all.