Honor veterans every day, not just at holiday

KENT — With summerlike weather and sparkling skies, Kent’s Memorial Day Parade kicked off at Kent Center School at 9:30 a.m., featuring wreath laying ceremonies, prayers from local clergy, music from the Center School’s marching band and more to honor those who died in the line of duty.

Antique vehicles and trucks from the Kent Volunteer Fire Department donned American flags as they took their place in the lineup, along with Boy Scouts from local troops and members of the Kent Lions Club.

From the school, the procession made its way down Main Street, with stops at St. Andrews’ Cemetery, the Veterans Memorial and Kent Memorial Library before concluding at the cemetery of the Congregational church. The march was led by local veterans, who at each stop performed a gun salute. Empty shell casings were doled out as a prize to children cheering on the side of the road.

At the library, the parade paused to hear remarks from Jean Speck, Kent’s first selectman.

“Today’s a remarkable day — a day for honoring those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country to ensure our freedom every day,” she said.

After the parade, the town was invited to a picnic at the Kent Land Trust field.

One of many rifle salutes during the Memorial Day Parade in Kent. Photo by Ollie Gratzinger

Photo by Ollie Gratzinger

Photo by Ollie Gratzinger

One of many rifle salutes during the Memorial Day Parade in Kent. Photo by Ollie Gratzinger