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Lowell honors fallen at Memorial Day observance with speeches, readings and wreath placement
Summary
Lowell City held a Memorial Day ceremony featuring remarks from the mayor, state and local officials, veterans and service organizations, performances by Lowell High School JROTC and Riley Middle School students, the reading of names of the fallen and a wreath placement by a Gold Star mother.
About 11 a.m. at the Lowell City Memorial observance, community leaders, veterans and service organizations gathered to honor service members who died in U.S. military service.
The mayor of Lowell opened the program and said Memorial Day "is not simply the beginning of summer. It is a sacred day in America," urging residents to teach younger generations about civic duty and remembrance. The ceremony included the national anthem, a pledge led by State Police Officer Phil Gauthier, an invocation by Imogene Stolkin of UMass Lowell and musical and cadet presentations by the Lowell High School Air Force Junior ROTC and Riley Middle School students.
State Senator Vanna Howard thanked local organizers and veterans, and asked the community to "keep their memories alive, not just today, but every day." Paul Paradise, chairman of the Lowell Veterans Commission, and James (Jay) Gaffney, a retired captain and veteran, offered personal reflections on service. Gaffney recounted his Vietnam service and said, "Tomb Guards never forget. May these heroes rest in honored peace."
Representatives of veterans services emphasized continued support for veterans and families. Elizabeth Parrott of the Lowell Vet Center affirmed the center's role, saying the center's "doors and our hearts will always remain open" to provide counseling and care. Andrea Gail Bennett of the Executive Office of Veterans Services highlighted the needs of Gold Star families and urged the public to "reach out" and "stay connected" beyond ceremonial observances.
Organizers read aloud the names of service members being remembered to ensure each was named and honored. A Gold Star mother, identified in the program as Irene Fineral, was escorted to place a wreath at the memorial. Event organizers and speakers thanked volunteers from the Lowell Veterans Commission, the Lowell Police Honor Guard, the Lowell High School JROTC and municipal departments that supported the gathering.
The ceremony concluded with closing remarks of thanks to attendees and volunteers. There were no policy decisions, votes or formal actions recorded at the event.
