WILMINGTON, MA – Yesterday morning, approximately 200 residents gathered at Wildwood Cemetery for Wilmington’s Memorial Day Ceremony.
Wilmington High School senior Nicole Bertolami began the service with a rousing rendition of the National Anthem.
Deacon Clifford King of St. Thomas and St. Dorothy’s, a Vietnam veteran, delivered the invocation, asking God to “give [soldiers killed in action] a place in your kingdom where rest is assured.”
Masters of Ceremonies Lou Cimaglia, Wilmington’s Veterans’ Agent, then addressed the crowd, noting this month marked the 70th anniversary of Victory Day, the end of World War II.
“Wilmington is blessed to have so many men and women who served in World War II,” said Cimaglia. “They’re known as the greatest generation, and they are.”
State Representative James Miceli (D-Wilmington) spoke next, praising veterans and active duty soldiers for the hope, compassion, excellence and valor they display and represent.
“There is no finer example of what America is than a soldier,” emphasized Miceli. “They are the best our country has to offer. We must remember them today and every day we rise. We should never stop reflecting on these heroes.”
State Senator Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester) followed his Beacon Hill colleague, urging the crowd to do more than just remember its fallen heroes.
“Every chance we can, let’s show how much we care about our veterans,” said Tarr. “Let’s ensure we give them the freedom to be free from hunger, homelessness, and suicide.”
Board of Selectman Chair Michael Champoux also said a few words.
“I am particularly impressed by seeing so many young people this morning,” said Champoux, noting the presence of the Cub Scouts, Boys Scouts, Girl Scouts, Marching Band and other young participants and observers. “They are the future of our town and the future is in good hands.”
After remarks from Town Manager Jeff Hull, World War II and Korean War veteran Gordon L. Siteman placed the ceremonial wreath at the monument, with a musical presentation from the Wilmington High School Marching Bnad.
Wilmington Middle School 8th grade student Christopher Stokes read the Gettysburg Address. 8th grader Brittany Cimaglia then recited the Memorial Day Poem.
Lou Cimaglia read a roll call of the 32 Wilmington service members killed or missing in action.
The Wilmington Police Department fired a riffle volley, followed by the Wilmington Minutemen’s cannon volley. Taps was then performed by members of the marching band.
Deacon Clifford King offered the benediction, asking God to “keep our current servicemen and servicewomen safe and bring them back to us soon.”
Lou Cimaglia thanked all the participating veteran organizations, youth groups, High School Marching Band, town officials, town employees, and public safety departments.
Cimaglia singled out Wilmington Police Chief Michael Begonis and his department for accompanying the volunteers who decorated veterans’ graves on Saturday morning and the town’s veteran memorials on Sunday afternoon.
Cimaglia ended the ceremony by thanking all the residents who took time away from family gatherings, barbeques, and ballgames to attend.
“Your presence here means you haven’t forgotten the true meaning of Memorial Day,” said an appreciative Cimaglia.
NOTE: Photo was taken by Paul Oliver, Paul Oliver Photography, Email: pauloliversphotos@gmail.com, Website: www.pauloliverphotography.smugmug.com, Facebook: www.facebook.com/PaulOliversPhotography.
Wilmington Apple 