A Day of Remembrance: Chester’s Memorial Day 2012

Traffic came to a standstill for a short time on Routes 103 and 11 on Wednesday as Chester once again observed Memorial Day on its traditional May 30th date. Hundreds of residents including students from Chester Andover Elementary and Green Mountain Union High School took part. The annual parade kicked off at 9 a.m. with stops for prayers and gun salutes at the North Street Cemetery, North Street Bridge and Brook Side Cemetery and ended at the town Green. The overcast day turned sunny as marching bands from both the high school and elementary school took up their positions on Common Street.

Hosted by Chester’s American Legion Post No. 67, the memorial service on the Green was presided over by Richard Farmer. It included a prayer by the Rev. Tom Charlton of the First Baptist Church, a flag raising and playing of the “Star Spangled Banner” by the GMUHS band and the traditional placing of wreaths on Chester’s war monuments. This year’s ceremony also included a POW/MIA ceremony, singing of the song “Flanders Field” by the middle school chorus and a reading of an essay and poem “What Memorial Day Means to Me” by seventh grader Matt Powers.

Remarks by Gary Degasta – the retired director of the White River Junction Veterans Hospital – were followed by Taps (played by Mark Harwood and Rosie McNamara) and a closing prayer. Participants were invited to the Legion for refreshments afterward. Click on any picture to launch gallery.

 

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  1. Wayne says:

    Great looking pictures! Chester always seems to me to have the best Memorial Day participation. Thanks for the coverage.

  2. Tom Hildreth says:

    Very nice coverage, thank you. As one of the speakers mentioned, this wasn’t a day for another big sale at the car dealers. It was about honoring the fallen. That Chester does this in its own unique way, on the date many here feel is most appropriate, is very special. Thanks to all of those who participated.