| On Monday May 28th, members of the Dunn's Corners Fire Department paid tribute to those who have died in our nation's armed services. Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is about coming together to honor those who gave their all. Memorial Day was officially proclaimed on May 5 1868 by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, and was first observed on May 30 1868 when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. The first state to officially recognize the holiday was New York in 1873. It is now celebrated in almost every State on the last Monday in May.
Traditional observance of Memorial Day has diminished over the years. Many Americans nowadays have forgotten the meaning and traditions of Memorial Day. At many cemeteries, the graves of the fallen are increasingly ignored, neglected. Most people no longer remember the proper flag etiquette for the day. While there are towns and cities that still hold Memorial Day parades, many have not held a parade in decades. Some people think the day is for honoring any and all dead, and not just those fallen in service to our country.
What is needed is a full return to the original day of observance. Set aside one day out of the year for the nation to get together to remember, reflect and honor those who have given their all in service to their country. We the men and woman of the Dunn's Corners Fire Department would like to thank all of you who have served our country: past, present, and future and especially those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
Car 1 and Engine 6 were in attendance. The parade began at 0930 at the World War I memorial in Pawcatuck, CT (at the intersection of West Broad Street/Pequot Trail/ South Broad Street). A prayer was recited in memory of all who have served our great nation, past, present, and future soldiers. Taps was then played to commemorate all who have made the ultimate sacrifice. The cannons were then fired and the parade began. The parade made its way down South Broad Street towards downtown Pawcatuck, over the Westerly-Pawcatuck Bridge, and onto Broad Street in downtown Westerly. From there the parade proceeded down High Street and onto to Canal Street where the parade commenced at the intersection with Railroad Avenue.
A special thanks to Fire Police Lieutenant Jeff Bewlay and Kim Massey for the photos.
Video of Car 1 and Engine 6 in the Parade - http://www.dunnscornersfire.com/content/videos/File/mdparade_video1.AVI |
