Brimfield Memorial Day Services

The Town of Brimfield will hold its annual Memorial Day Services on Sunday, May 24 at 2:00 pm on the Town Common. The committee encourages everyone to gather for this important day of remembrance and extends a special invitation to all area veterans, enlisted service members, and reservists.

 

As the nation celebrates its 250th, Brimfield is proud to pay tribute to the brave citizens who played a part in the establishment of our country and our freedoms. Town historian Mike DeFalco will speak and share poignant details of the monumental impact of this milestone.

Ceremonies begin with the drum roll, and the Veterans call to order, followed by patriotic music and poems reflecting on the day, remembrance of current and former town residents who have died in the last year, and the ceremonial tolling of the bell.

 

State Representative Todd Smola will speak, Brimfield elementary sixth grade twins Emma and Bria Commeaux will recite the poems, and Father Jack Brennan of St. Christophers will lead the prayers. The musical performances will include the Brimfield Elementary Band, Lillian Donahue, Audrey Spicer, and members of St. Christophers Folk Group.

 

“Brimfield has held services for Memorial Day as a town tradition that goes back beyond the memories of its oldest residents. As a committee, we believe it is important to take time to honor those who sacrificed everything.” said committee chair Cindy Skowyra.

 

Committee chair Cindy Skowyra said, “Brimfield has a proud tradition to pause and reflect on the significance of Memorial Day and those that we honor on that day, especially those who sacrificed everything and helped make it possible for us to enjoy our freedoms because of their sacrifice and selflessness.”

 

A parade immediately follows the ceremony, and all are invited to participate. A wagon is available for veterans and others who want to join the parade but are unable to march, courtesy of Village Green Campgrounds, who will also provide ice cream to all who participate in the parade. Children are encouraged to decorate their bikes and doll carriages in patriotic themes.

 

The parade will stop at the cemetery and war monuments in town to pay respect with ceremonial gun salute, the laying of wreaths donated by Green Thumb Florist, raising of the flag and the playing of Taps by Grant MacFarlane and Kassandra Mungai. Tina Harkness and Linda Mercier will play the bagpipe at the cemetery.

 

During the American Civil War, citizens placed flowers on the graves of those who had been killed in battle. In recognition of that tradition, red carnations will be handed out to place on veterans’ graves marked with flags placed by Scout Troop 7 and additional volunteers. Girls on the Run planted the geraniums at town monuments.

 

The committee wants to thank all who worked behind the scenes to make this possible especially the Brimfield Police Department and the Champeau-Vilandre American Legion Post 109 for their support.

 

Be sure to join us on this Day of Remembrance in honor of those who have sacrificed so much for the freedoms that we enjoy. In case of rain the ceremony will be held at St. Christopher’s church.