Memorial Day Parade ready for May 31
Published on May 26th, 2004
STONEHAM, MA - In light of the many brave Americans who are sacrificing life, limb and security in strange lands fighting an elusive enemy, Stoneham's Annual Memorial Day Parade is sure to take on even greater meaning this year.
The parade, to be held on Memorial Day (Monday, May 31) begins at 10 a.m. in St. Pat's Cemetery, proceeds down Elm Street, to Main Street, and then down Montvale to Lindenwood Cemetery.
"It starts with the decorating of the veterans' graves at the end of this week," said Veterans Advocated and parade organizer Joe DeSisto. "It brings it right up front again. Memorial Day is a reminder that we should never forget (those who sacrificed their lives in wartime)."
"But now things are a little different," added DeSisto, a veteran of the Korean War. "Before we fought what were conventional wars, but when you're dealing with terrorists there is no battlefield. Is there ever going to be such a thing as peace anymore...I don't think so."
The Parade groups will assemble around the Veterans' Memorial Circle for the reading of General John A. Logan's General Orders -- an 1868 order that directed veterans' graves to be decorated during their day of recognition -- by members of Stoneham's VFW post.
"We are losing people every day out there, and you read it almost every day in the newspaper," said DeSisto. "Do people know how important that is, or do they just take it for granted?"
"Memorial Day brings the whole thing up front to us that people have sacrifices over the years, and now we can never let down," added DeSisto. "This was can come in your backyard...when people are willing to give their lives up, how do you prevent an attack from happening. This day is even more important because the war is right here at home."
The parade then proceeds to the Stoneham Town Hall for the Memorial Day program.
American Legion Post 115 Commander Ethel Lasalle will be the Grand Marshall for the Memorial Day parade. Lasalle served during WWII and has been heavily involved in veteran's organizations for nearly 60 years.
The invocation will be given by Deacon Bob Turner of St. Patrick's Church.
Music will be a large part of the Memorial Day experience as six bands will take part in the festivities, including Barbara Morash and the Stoneham-based Silver Notes singing group. Stoneham Elks member Natalee Webb has arranged for the Elks float, Veteran's Day Road Race float, the Leathernecks Motorcycle Club and a number of antique cars to take part in the parade.
Memorial Day Ceremonies will take place at the Stoneham schools on Thursday and Friday, and -- as mentioned above -- decoration of the veterans' graves will take place from May 27-29. Flags can be picked up at Lindenwood Cemetery, and people are asked to call ahead at 781-438-1924.
Rev. Bill Schmidt of St. Patrick's Church will hold a special memorial mass prior to the parade at 8:30 a.m., and also recognizes the ongoing sacrifices that this Memorial Day re-introduces to the forefront.
"I plan on utilizing the sacrifice of Pat Tillman as one of the focal points of my sermon," said Schmidt. "He epitomizes the bravery and commitment that so many young men and women are showing in these times of conflict."
In case of inclement weather, the Memorial Day Ceremony will take place in the Town Hall Auditorium at 11 a.m.
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