Prior to the the ceremony, a parade made its way from Thorndike Street through downtown, ending at the War Memorial.
PALMER — Town Council President Philip J. Hebert told the crowd gathered at the War Memorial at Converse Middle School at Monday’s Memorial Day service that no words could ever express the gratitude and respect he has for veterans.
“I am so grateful to have been born in this small town,” Hebert said.
Thanks to the veterans, Hebert said “we all have freedom of choice.” He asked the crowd for a moment of silence, to pay respects to those who lost their lives in the line of duty, giving the ultimate sacrifice.
The featured speaker was state Rep. Todd M. Smola, R-Warren, who acknowledged the town’s new veterans service agent, Deborah A. Shilaikis, the event’s emcee, and the women who have served in the military. Smola urged those in attendance to thank the veterans in attendance.
“Thank them while you have the opportunity to say so now,” Smola said.
He then urged them to be the best citizens they can be by getting involved.
Rev. Bruce Prestwood-Taylor, of Second Congregational Church, delivered the invocation and benediction. Memorial Day ceremonies help remind everyone that “freedom is not free,” he said.
“We cannot forget those who paid so terrible a price,” Prestwood-Taylor said. “Help us to be worthy of their sacrifice.”
Seventh-grader Laura Davis read her essay on the importance of Memorial Day and how the holiday is a day to remember brave soldiers who never returned home.
Prior to the the ceremony, a parade made its way from Thorndike Street through downtown, ending at the War Memorial.
Police Chief Robert P. Frydryk led the parade in a cruiser, followed by police officers, various veterans groups, including the American Legion Post 130 and Amvets, as well as boy and girl scouts, the Palmer High School marching band and Converse Middle School marching band, Palmer baseball, the Town Council and the town’s three fire departments – Palmer, Bondsville and Three Rivers.
Classic cars brought up the end of the parade, and parade-goers tossed candy onto the street to children watching on the sidewalks.
Mandy Misischia was at the ceremony because it’s an annual tradition for her, and her son, Tim, 14, was marching in the band.
“It’s very good. It’s always very good. I’ve been here every year,” Misischia said.