Wellesley's annual Memorial Day ceremony took place on Thursday, May 30 with a solemn community event to honor and remember those who gave their lives for our Country.
Town officials, Veterans, and many citizens first gathered at Woodlawn Cemetery to place a memorial wreath and recognize departed Veterans and then moved to the Wellesley War Memorial in front of Town Hall for a longer ceremony.
With music provided by the Wellesley High School band and colors presented by the Wellesley Fire Department, the program featured Memorial Day readings, the presentation of Governor Healey's Memorial Day proclamation by Representative Alice Peisch, and a Memorial Day reflection offered by Wellesley Police Department Lieutenant and Veteran Bob Gallagher.
Veterans John Saunders and Ken Johnson placed the traditional wreath at the base of the War Memorial and presented the POW/MIA flag symbolizing those in service who were imprisoned or missing, and have not yet returned to American soil. John Saunders, who recently celebrated his 92nd birthday, also read the names of all Wellesley citizens who died in the service.
Prayers were given by Rabbi Moshe Bleich of the Wellesley-Weston Chabad.
The ceremony concluded with Royall Switzler reading the names of Wellesley Veterans who died in the past year, followed by a salute to the dead from the Wellesley Police Department Honor Guard, and echo Taps performed by two high school trumpeters.
Thank you to all who attended.