Memorial Day

Monday, May 28, 2007

Special Thanks To:

The Burlington Office of Veterans Services wishes to thank everyone in attendance at this year’s Memorial Day Ceremonies at the 8:00 a.m. ceremony on the Town Common as well as the 10:00 ceremony at Chestnut Hill Cemetery.

(all photos: Mike Tredeau Photography unless noted otherwise)

8:00 am Flag Raising
Burlington Police Dept. Honor Guard

From those who participated to those who were there to remember and show their respect for all who served, it was a wonderful morning, despite the intermittent showers.

Members of Burlington's Board of Selectmen were present as well as State Representative Charlie Murphy, and we appreciate their taking the time to be with us.

Selectmen Chair, Al Fay

Special thanks go to Art Enos and the Burlington Detachment of the Marines Corps League for assisting in scheduling the members of the United States Marine Corps Ordinance Contact Team. Their presentation of “The Old Glory” Ceremony was very moving. Thank you also to these Marines who assisted with the Cascade of Taps across the cemetery during the program.

Old Glory Ceremony: US Marines Corps Ordinance Contact Team One, Devens

Reverend Passamonte & sailor guest

Briana Bensenouci and Brad Jensen from the high school chorus gave a strong rendition of “God Bless The USA”, and we thank our new Chaplain, Reverend Francesco Passamonte, Chaplain, Major, USAF (Retired) for joining us.

Briana Bensenouci & Brad Jensen, BHS Chorus

An enthusiastic thank you to all the members of the Burlington High School Marching Band and their Director, Matt Lovell, for once again being an important part of our ceremonies.

BHS Marching Band

We express our gratitude to the band members who also participated in the Cascade of Taps, Wendy Simon-Pearson and Dario Webb, and former band member Jessica Ferguson. High school band member, Nishan Ovian, did a fine job singing with the band during its performance of our National Anthem.

Nishan Ovian, BHS Marching Band
singing our National Anthem

Wendy Simon-Pearson, BHS Marching Band

Thanks also to the American Legion and their Rifle Squad, Marine Corps League, Disabled American Veterans, and Veterans of Foreign Wars for being in attendance.

American Legion Rifle Squad

Members of Burlington's Marine Corps League preparing to place wreath at Marine Memorial

Members of American Legion, VFW, DAV and Women's Auxiliary

The Burlington Fire Department, and their Honor Guard, the Burlington Police Department and their Honor Guard, and the Middlesex Sheriff Department Honor Guard, the Civil Air Patrol Honor Guard from Hanscom AFB, and Joe McGrath our Bagpiper are all thanked for joining us to remember and celebrate the lives of so many men and women, that few of us could ever know.

Burlington Fire Dept. and Burlington Fire Dept. Honor Guard & Middlesex Sheriff Dept. Honor Guard

Burlington Police Honor Guard

Hanscom Civil Air Patrol Honor Guard

Joseph McGrath, bagpiper

Special Thanks go out to all the Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts, and Brownies, and their parents for joining us and are with us every year.

Burlington Scouts & Brownies

The Office of Veterans' Services wants to acknowledge the Marriott Hotel and their wonderful volunteer staff for once again honoring us by supplying the continental breakfast that so many people enjoyed after the Flag Raising.

Marriott Hotel volunteers serving breakfast

The Allied Veterans Council wants to thank the staff of the Burlington Cemeteries for making these special places so attractive and places that welcome people in.

We also want to acknowledge the hard work of all the volunteers who helped replace thousands of US Flags and plant as many geraniums at the graves of those veterans buried in Burlington. We also want to acknowledge the work of the Recreation Maintenance Department for how well the Town Common looks.

Dario Webb plays Call to Colors on the Town Common as the flag waves at half stall

God Bless America

Bob Hogan, Director

Betty McDonough, Principal Clerk

Veterans Services

Our thanks for a wonderful day go out to so many, including:

Service Organizations:

American Legion

American Legion Rifle Squad

Marine Corps League

Marine Corps League Honor Guard

Disabled American Veterans

Veterans of Foreign Wars

Guests:

US Marine Corps Ordinance contact Team One, Devens

Al Fay, Selectman

Charles Murphy, State Representative

Burlington Board of Selectmen

Music:

Joseph McGrath, Bagpiper

Burlington High School Marching Band Members (past & present)

Burlington High School Choir Members

And:

Burlington Fire Department and Fire Department Honor Guard

Burlington Police Department and Police Department Honor Guard

Burlington Marriott Hotel

Burlington Boy & Girl Scout Troops

Cemetery Dept. Staff & Flag/Flower Volunteers

Civil Air Patrol Cadets – Hanscom AFB

Burlington EMS

Reverend Francesco Passamonte

Middlesex County Sheriff’s Honor Guard

Coverage:

Photographer:

Mike Tredeau

Burlington Union

Woburn Daily Times