Solemn words on a festive day

SALISBURY — The Memorial Day parade and ceremony in Salisbury featured splendid weather, a large and enthusiastic crowd and a number of small children who inserted themselves into the festivities at opportune moments.

The parade kicked off promptly at 10 a.m. and marched east on Main Street from the Scoville Memorial Library toward the town Green.

From there the parade went left on Undermountain Road past the ambulance building and The White Hart and along to the cemetery.

At the cemetery, Selectman Chris Williams welcomed the veterans and the marchers. 

Duane Estes (representing the Salisbury Congregational Church) gave the invocation.

He spoke of those “who fought and died,” and asked for prayers for “those currently in harm’s way.”

“May we be worthy of those who fought and died and made the supreme sacrifice.”

Orla Shillingford, a fifth grader at Salisbury Central School, recited the Gettysburg Address.

Williams then asked that “everyone please prepare themselves for our firing squad,” which made people laugh.

David Bayersdorfer read the 22 names on the Roll of the Honored Dead, from World War I, World War II, the Korean War  and the Vietnam War.

The Salisbury Band played taps, and the Rev. Heidi Truax from Trinity Lime Rock Episcopal Church offered a prayer.

“We remember also and honor all who served faithfully in wars of the past and lived through the battles and the difficulties of life in military service, whether serving at home or abroad.

“These family and community members of ours have walked in their time of service through the valley of the shadow of death, and they have come through their ordeals and lived to return home to their families.”

She then read the 23rd Psalm, with many in the audience echoing the familiar words.

Lloyd Wallingford sang “God Bless America,” and the crowd joined in.

The band played the national anthem, and Dick Vreeland (from Lakeville United Methodist Church) offered the benediction.

James Brazee, who organized the parade for the last 20 years (that job has since been turned over to a committee), spoke last.

He said he was sometimes distressed at the “neglect and passive attitude by some toward the sacrifices made by so few for so many.”

Robert “Bullet” Sherwood, who is unwell, attended the parade and ceremony, riding in a Lakeville Hose Company vehicle. 

“Men like Robert Sherwood are why I stood here for so many years,” said Brazee. 

“Bullet has honored anyone who has ever called Salisbury home.”

He then presented Sherwood with a silver Army coin.

The parade re-formed and marched back to Town Hall. While that was happening, well-wishers flocked to the vehicle Sherwood was sitting in to shake his hand or salute.