Threatening skies and forecasts forced organizers to cancel Kent’s annual Memorial Day parade and move the observance indoors to the Town Hall meeting room Monday morning. But as the 10 a.m. ceremony approached, the rain let up and a large crowd gathered to honor the nation’s fallen service members.
Hosted by American Legion Post 153, the ceremony opened with remarks from Cemetery Sexton Brett Kallstrom, who welcomed residents, veterans and local officials. Reverend Richard J. Clark of St. Andrew’s Church delivered an invocation, offering prayers for peace and saying, “May the day soon come when we are living in peace.”
Though the ceremony was moved inside, traditions continued outdoors with a gun salute. The Kent Center School Band played and the Choir Club sang “America The Beautiful.” Town First Selectman Eric Epstein read the names of Kent veterans killed in wars, while Pastor John of the Kent Congregational Church closed the observance with prayers honoring veterans “for giving their last full measure of devotion to protect and defend us.”
Kent Volunteer Fire Dept. starts the ceremony. Lans Christensen
Cella’s paintings are tucked in almost every available space thoughout Little Store Antiques. L. Tomaino
