‘Stand together’ as a nation, Memorial Day crowd is told

By ARCHIE MOUNTAIN
NEWPORT — The importance of standing together as a nation was emphasized by Elizabeth Hennig during her Memorial Day address Monday morning.

“Today we all honor in particular those who have made the sacrifice and answered to the ultimate call to serve for something that is bigger than themselves. It is in honoring in particular those who have laid down their lives for our flag and for our country.”

“We stand with our separate ideals, but in the end must stand together as a nation to honor the sacrifices of those who have sacrificed to defend our nation, the principles for which it stands,” Hennig told the gathering on the Newport Common.

A veteran herself, Hennig recalled being on a run at 5 a.m. on a brisk February morning and wondered why anyone would volunteer for this.

“It’s about duty and commitment,” she revealed.

“As I witnessed the Pentagon in flames on 9/11, some ran away to save themselves and some ran to help others…in some cases even pulling others to safety yet lose their own life. They had heard the call to serve others and answered,” Hennig stated.

“Today we recognize those who have served in the military in defense of our constitution,” Hennig stated. “That responsibility and that privilege is great, and we are thankful to those who have served, and we are thankful to have had the privilege to serve.”

American Legion Post 25 Commander Bruce Richardson opened the ceremony at 11 a.m. and it closed about 25 minutes later with the firing of the Post 25 cannon by Arthur Leavitt followed by Taps by the Post 25 Honor Guard.

Following the Invocation by Post Chaplain William Halleck III, Sergeant at Arms Robert Bachand led the POW MIA Empty Chair observance. Adjutant Peter Lovely recited the Pledge of Allegiance and Alia Gonzalez sang the National Anthem.

Commander Richardson introduced the Newport Middle and High School band directed by Sgt. Jessica Kilpatrick. The band members played music honoring the Armed Forces on Parade.

The ceremony at the gazebo concluded with Benediction by Halleck.

Prior to the ceremony on the Common, veterans decorated the graves at North Newport, Pine Street West, Pine Street East, Maple Street, St. Patrick’s and Pine Grove cemeteries.

Honors were also held at Newport Middle and High School, Haserlat Park, Sunapee Street Park, Justin Rollins Bridge and John Lee Memorial at Towle School.

A wreath was also placed in the Sugar River at the Brady Bridge on Oak Street for those lost at sea. The Rites included the Memorial Rifle Squad and playing of Taps.

Fallen Comrades of Post 25 in 2017-18 included Albert Bania, Gordon Bell, Al Burnett, Francis Collins, Kenneth Currier, Rod Dunham, John Fisher, William Harold Sr., George Kelley, Clifford Knight, Frazier Michaud, Raymond Nutting, Howard Parker, Roy Partlow, Gardiner Stetson, Nicolas Thalasinos, Raymond Walter and Patrick Zullo.