Turley Publications photos by Jonathan Cook

Ava and Aaron Morgan decorate the monument.

 

‘May we not forget those who have paid the greatest price’

 

By Jonathan Cook

Turley Publications Reporter

WEST BROOKFIELD – The loose ends of the parade formed together on the lawn of the Confederated Church Monday morning around 8:30 a.m. Gatherers came in two by two, babies in strollers, children holding little flags.

Friendly, and quiet were the greetings that morning.

Then the band struck up a patriotic tune and the march was under way like a big red, white and blue caterpillar.

The flag in the cemetery flew half mast among the rows of buried veterans.

A five gun, three round rifle salute to honor the dead, and the gathering was back under way with the Quaboag Middle/High School Marching Band leading the procession with “America the Beautiful” and “Grand Old Flag”.

Next the gathering stopped at the war memorial on the common. Boy Scout Aaron Morgan recited the Gettysburg Address. “We here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain.”

Reverend Lisa Durkee Abbott prayed, “We gather today to remember those who have given their lives in service to our country, defending our lives and our freedom.”

She went on to say, “This morning, even while we remember those who have come before us, we grieve for those who struggle in battle today, we all desire their comfort and homecoming. We pray that there might be peace throughout the world. God, we ask that you strengthen our ability to love those who return from war. Help us to receive with open arms and open hearts those who were scarred by their experiences, who carry memories whose pain interrupts the rhythm of their lives.”

In conclusion, she said, “May we not forget those who have paid the greatest price to protect these gifts.”

After the firing squad again honored the dead, two trumpets played taps. The first played in the forefront, among the gathering. The second from halfway across the common, like a far away echo, played like memory itself.