[ccfic caption-text format="plaintext"]
By Katrina Margolis
Hometown Weekly Reporter
Memorial Day is shown on TV and in movies as an occasion for barbecues and cook-outs - a time to don red, white, and blue apparel and eat hot dogs in your backyard with a cool one in your hand. While it has been celebrated in this way for years, the freedom that allows those in the United States to enjoy such a relaxing day is often taken for granted. Memorial Day is a day of remembrance of those who have given their lives while serving to secure freedom and peace at home. Every year, Memorial Day is celebrated in Westwood with a parade and a ceremony at the Old Town Cemetery. Despite cold and dreary weather, the turn-out to honor those who have passed was enormous this year.
Westwood’s Veteran’s Day/Memorial Day Committee plans the event, both the parade and ceremony. This year they met twice to discuss logistics and details.
The parade began at 10 a.m., marked by the raising of the flag on Westwood Fire Department’s ladder. The parade included the Westwood Police Department, Westwood Fire Department, marching bands, Girl Scout troops, and even a variety of antique cars. Westwood citizens lined sidewalks, applauding veterans who marched. Young children snapped up candy thrown by Girl Scout troops, bringing a cheery aspect to a somber day. The parade began at Town Hall and made its way down High Street, circling back around to end at the cemetery.
The ceremony at the cemetery was brief but poignant. Not only did town officials speak, but veterans did as well, bringing tears to the eyes of those in attendance.
The cloudy sky set the tone for a somber and reverent Memorial Day in Westwood.
