Fall River City held a Memorial Day ceremony at Crow Grove Saturday to honor four local service members who died in the Global War on Terrorism, with prayers, the national anthem, wreath-laying and remarks from city and veterans leaders.

The ceremony featured opening prayers from Father Jay Maddock, the Pledge of Allegiance led by Councilor Andrew Raposa, a rendition of the national anthem sung by Councilor Brad Kilby, and remarks by Mayor Paul Coogan and the city’s veterans service officer. Victor Farris and other veterans participated in flag duties and a wreath was placed by family members of the fallen.

“Thank you, Linda, Mrs. Pereira. I do wanna say, when we come out to honor 4 people that gave all for this country, the reason we're here is also to support the gold star families,” Mayor Paul Coogan said. “What they went through, we all will never know … we have to find a way to make sure they fulfill the dreams they had for those brave warriors that kept this country free.”

Veterans service officer Doc Ferris, who described himself as a veteran of the Global War on Terrorism, said he has treated wounded service members and “laid to rest several of my own brothers and sisters in arms,” and emphasized the importance of the monument and supporting Gold Star families. “Their sons, daughters, husbands, birthdays that will no longer be had … All of those things are why we are here today,” he said.

Joanne Mello, identified at the ceremony as the mother of one of the men listed on the monument, spoke on behalf of Gold Star families and described Crow Grove as “one of the best monument areas in the whole city of Fall River,” thanking attendees and urging them to keep gratitude in their hearts.

Organizers asked the mothers of Michael and Scott to place the wreath; Robert’s mother, Carlene, assisted, and Joanne Mello spoke during the placement. The ceremony closed with Taps played by the flag officer who also served as the bugle player, identified as Mr. Tharius.

The program combined ceremonial elements (prayer and music) with brief remarks from elected officials and veterans, and included explicit recognition of Gold Star family members in attendance.