Community spirit shone in red, white and blue

SHARON — Everyone loves a parade, and Sharon turned out on both sides of Main Street to wave, cheer and appreciate the array of antique cars, polished fire engines and emergency vehicles, while remembering lives lost in military service.

The lives of those who are able to continue to serve their community were also honored on a lovely Memorial Day.  The weather proved ideal for the event as the parade slowly made its way from Sharon Center School to the Veterans Memorial across from the iconic clock tower.

The featured speaker was playwright Edward Allen Baker. Although he did not serve in Vietnam, he focused his moving talk on those who did.

Speaking of valor in combat and resolve at home, Baker voiced an apology to those who served in Vietnam, under conditions beyond comprehension. He called it “the portal to Hell.” 

The toll had been tremendous, Baker said.  In 1966 alone, 6,350 Americans had been killed, at an average age of 19. 

“We thank you, we thank you, we thank you,” he said.

Baker said that he lost two friends in Vietnam. He recalled the lottery that fueled the supply of troops; he had drawn a high number. By the end, 58,253 service members had perished.

“We are all blessed participants in a world of sorrow. I thank you for your time then, and I thank you for your time now,” Baker said.

The Sharon Center School Band performed “Stars and Stripes Forever.”

 The Rev. Peg Lemieux, of Sharon United Methodist Church, recalled having been born on a military base and added prayers.  “Amid the somber embrace of memories, we give our thanks,” she said. “We remember, we honor, we pay respects.”

Taps was movingly played by Ken Zeng of Lakeville.

In charge of the event was Brian Kenny, who urged everyone to become involved with the local veterans’ organization, whose home in Sharon is Herbert G. Klebes Hall.

The children’s decorated bicycle contest had several entries. This year’s winners were Piper Seibold and Oliver Peterson.

Following the ceremony, hot dogs were served up by First Selectman Brent Colley at the Sharon Historical Society, a relatively new Memorial Day tradition in Sharon.