Memorial Day, May 26, 2003

Burlington, MA

The Burlington Office of Veterans Services wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to the entire Burlington community for your participation and support of our Memorial Day 2003 ceremonies.  Although the weather itself was less than desirable, it was very inspiring to see the large gathering in attendance for the entire program.  In spite of the weather, it was wonderful to see those in attendance, both adults and children, remain respectful during the reading of the almost 60 names of those who have passed away since last Memorial Day.

In Burlington we gather on this day each year to thank those who made the ultimate sacrifice for this Country.  We are thankful for every individual who has served in a branch of the military, here and around the world, in peace and in war.  A single day hardly seems sufficient for recognition of those men and women who have gone before us.

The Town of Burlington is fortunate to have so many willing to volunteer when called to assist.  An event like this involves so much cooperation and assistance from so many people and all the Veterans and their families are appreciative and grateful for everyone’s contribution to the day.

Thank you to the Marriott Hotel who once again stepped forward to volunteer time and resources in supplying a wonderful continental breakfast for veterans and those in attendance.  We also want to acknowledge and thank both the Reverend Jacqueline McGrath and Mrs. Penny Newton for offering and opening St. Mark’s Episcopal Church for our breakfast.  We thank Matt Lovell and the wonderful Burlington Marching Band, Father Leonard O’Malley from St. Malachy’s church for his opening and closing prayers; the Commanders and Members of the Burlington Allied Veterans, the Burlington American Legion, including the American Legion Rifle Squad, Burlington Marine Corps League and the Marine Corps League Honor Guard, Disabled American Veterans and Veterans of Foreign Wars; the Hanscom Air Force Base Civil Air Patrol; the Burlington Fire Chief, firefighters and the Fire Department Honor Guard; Steve Duke and Bernie Heath for providing the sound system; Paul Cauldwell and the entire staff in preparing the cemetery for our ceremonies, including recently retired Harry Enos.  Our thanks to veterans Andy Giordano and Frank Riccardi for their help with the replacement of the cemetery flags on veterans’ graves; McDonald’s for supplying ice for the cold drinks. Frank Curley, for the two resounding cannons on the common at the 8:00 am ceremony.

We also want to acknowledge our guest speaker, Korean War Veteran and Burlington resident, Thomas O’Mahoney, for his words and memories of his time in Korea, the Chairman of our Board of Selectmen, Al Fay, and the other board members in attendance, Gary, Joe, Kevin, and Juliet; our bagpiper and Burlington resident, Joe McGrath; all the Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Brownies and Girl Scouts; Donna O’Neill and the Acapella singers from the Marshal Simonds Middle School; Burlington Police Department, the Middlesex Sheriff’s office, BCAT, Kevin Sullivan for the memorial cards; and Sue Stewart from Burlington Florist for the wreath and carnations.   And we wish to thank Arlene DiRocco, John White,  and Dave Smith for their media support. 

We end this letter thanking every veteran for their service to this Country, and to the families who shared their loved ones with us. God Bless them, and God Bless this great country.

 Sincerely,

Bob Hogan

Betty McDonough

Burlington Veterans Services

Members of the Burlington Fire Dept. & the Burlington Fire Dept. Honor Guard

Thomas O'Mahoney, Veteran & Guest Speaker

Fire Department Honor Guard & Hanscom AFB Civil Air Patrol Honor Guard

Marshal Simonds Middle School Acapella Choir

Members of the Burlington American Legion

Hanscom AFB Civil Air Patrol Cadets

Marine Corps League Members & Honor Guard

Burlington resident, Joe McGrath, Bagpiper

Jack Rodwell, Veteran, (w/Selectman Kevin McKelvey) reading the list of  veterans who have passed away since  Memorial Day of 2002.

Placing the wreath are guest speaker, Thomas O'Mahoney and Commander of Burlington Allied Veterans & Marine Corps League member, Larry Rice, flanked by Civil Air Patrol Cadets