Sun shines bright on Chester Memorial Day Parade

By Leah M. Cunningham
©2015-Telegraph Publishing LLC

Under warm and sunny skies, residents of Chester gathered in and around the Green on Saturday, May 30 for the annual Memorial Day Parade.

Green Mountain Union High/Middle and Chester-Andover Elementary bands marched by as the CAES flag squad twirled their red and white banners to the glee of the many spectators.

Following the solemn memorial service at Brookside Cemetery, the procession moved to the Green, where Richard Farmer, the former American Legion national executive committeeman, mused that the weather might have been the nicest since Chester’s first parade in 1868.

Following the parade, crowds gathered around the Green to offer prayers of thanks for those who had given their lives in war time. The American flag was raised and wreathes were laid.

The GMUHS chorus offered a rousing round of God Bless America, and 7th grader Jackie Parker-Jennings read her winning essay “What Memorial Day Means to Me.” In a moving speech, Jackie began, “Pain.  Sorrow.  Grief.  These are the words I think of when I hear the word war, but I also think of: Sacrifice.  Integrity.  Honor.”

Photos by Leah M. Cunningham. Click on any photo to launch the gallery.

Crowds gather to watch the parade as it comes down Main Street.

The parade arrives at the entrance of Brookside Cemetery.

The American Legion and guest Color Guard lead the way into the cemetery.

Green Mountain Union Middle/High School band pauses before entering Brookside Cemetery.

Chester-Andover Elementary School flag squad with coach Julie Kelly.

The CAES band leads the way into Brookside Cemetery.

8th grader Alexandria Pippin is excited to watch the gun salute.

Prayers and the gun salute in the Chester Cemetery.

Spectators gather around the Green to watch as the ceremonies continue.

GMUHS chorus prepare to sing ‘God Bless America.’ Clockwise from back left, teacher Cindi Austin, Anna Huckins, Shay Williams, Brianna Dyer, Mary Thompson, Kimball Shultz, Samantha Woods, Megan Spinrad, Daina Ricketts and Julia Howard.

Richard Farmer greets the crowd and performs the Prisoner of War and Missing in Action Ceremony.

Members of Chester’s Volunteer Fire Department gather in remembrance.

Jackie Parker-Jennings reads her winning essay.

Guest speaker Ret. Capt. Scott Lobdell

Robert Carleton reads the closing prayer bringing the ceremony to a close.