Danvers Memorial Day ceremony honors the fallen with readings, music and a governor's proclamation

The Town of Danvers gathered for a Memorial Day ceremony that combined music, history and official recognition of local veterans after the parade was canceled because of weather. State Representative Sally Karens read a gubernatorial proclamation marking the holiday and recounting its origins, saying the event exists to "honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice who have given their very lives for the sake of our democracy to continue."

The program included two color guards, the presentation of the colors and the Pledge of Allegiance led by the town veterans service officer, Kelly Rayos Tira. The Danvers High School Advanced Chorus, under director Alex Grover, performed the national anthem and later sang "God Bless America." Sixth-grade student Peter Fica read President Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address, beginning "Four score and seven years ago...," as part of the commemorations.

Guest speaker Dave McKenna delivered a historical reflection on the town's participation in U.S. conflicts and the meaning of Memorial Day. "Memorial Day is a day to remember," McKenna said, urging the public to recall the sacrifices of those who did not return. A chaplain from the local veterans posts offered an invocation and a veteran described the symbolism of the missing-man table that honors prisoners of war and service members still unaccounted for.

The program also recognized the ceremony organizers and volunteers and introduced the event's grand marshal, Kevin Barrett, who was noted for his service in the military and later work in intelligence support roles. The ceremony closed with the reading of names of local veterans who died since last Memorial Day, the playing of taps and a moment of silence.