Fall River City hosted a candlelight vigil on an evening in October (date specified by organizers as 2025-10-11) to honor Gold Star families and service members who died in military service.

The ceremony, organized by the city’s veterans services office, included prayers, the Pledge of Allegiance, musical selections including bagpipes, a moment of silence and remarks by family members who named relatives lost in combat. Rena Brown, commander of the Fall River War Veterans Council, and the director of veteran services took part in the program. VVA 207 and Roland Thunder Chapter 2 provided candles.

The event began with a prayer led by Reverend Andy Stinson. Later, a Gold Star family member who identified himself only as a family member said, “My son was Lance Corporal John James Van Geising the fourth. He was killed in action on 07/05/2004, Operation Iraqi Freedom, his second tour of duty.” Another Gold Star family member spoke of a sibling: “My brother, Russell Smith, sergeant first class, died in Iraq, Desert Storm, 1991.”

The director of veteran services, speaking near the midpoint of the ceremony, said, “They are not forgotten,” and invited family members present to come forward and state the names, ranks and operations of their loved ones. Organizers asked attendees to light candles or enable cell-phone lights for a collective moment of silence and remembrance. Musical selections included a bugle playing taps and a bagpipe performance; a performer identified as Victor led one of the piped selections, and other musicians provided additional music.

Mayor Coogan, city council members and state representatives were listed among guests in attendance, and Father Rob offered a separate prayer that invoked blessings for those who have died and for Gold Star families. The formal portion of the ceremony concluded with an invitation for guests to depart quietly or to remain and continue private remembrance.

No motions, votes, or other formal government actions were taken during the vigil; the event was ceremonial and focused on remembrance.