Memorial Day 2020: Honoring the fallen

Mon, 05/25/2020 - 2:30pm

Ceremonies in the Boothbay region on Memorial Day 2020 were called “moving,” “touching” and somewhat “eery,” as the COVID-19 pandemic took away the annual marching of veterans, school bands and scout groups; there was no gun salute, no amplified speeches by clergy honoring the war fallen, and the gathering of onlookers was a mere pittance to what usually turns out. However, a small team of American Legion Post 36 members did perform ceremonies at the Newagen library monument, the Southport monument, the Boothbay Harbor monument and waterfront park, the Boothbay monument, the East Boothbay monument and, for the first time, at the Edgecomb Town Hall monument.  

At each location, a prayer was said after team members took off their various head coverings, followed by the placement of a wreath and salute by Bob Raudenbush and Chris Armstead, and the playing of “Amazing Grace” on saxophone by Joe Provissiero, followed by a salute by team members and “Taps” played on cornet by Dr. Doug Long. At the Boothbay Harbor waterfront, flowers were tossed into the ocean in remembrance of those lost at sea during the wars. Additional team members participating at each event included Post Commander David Patch, Barry Sherman, Joel Morley (chaplain) and Gerry Gamage. Other team members participating at various locations included John Hargreaves, Bob Eaton, Robin Ford, Fran Nicoletta (chaplain), Alfred Roberts (chaplain), Paul Adams (World War II veteran), Al Sirois and Mike Jones.