Walk Of Remembrance Groundbreaking Held

 HARWICH – The next step in honoring veterans in Harwich got underway at the Veterans Memorial Circle in Evergreen Cemetery in East Harwich on Nov. 26 with the Veterans Walk of Remembrance groundbreaking ceremony.

 In the 2023 May town meeting, voters supported the use of $256,282 in Community Preservation Act funds to establish a Revolutionary War and Civil War memorial at Evergreen Cemetery. It was an addition to the Veterans Memorial Circle that the cemetery commission is developing to honor the town’s history and the heroic past of men and women from town who served in the armed forces.

 The town issued a contract to Lawrence-Lynch Corp. for $42,896 to construct the walk portion of the project.

“The Walk of Remembrance is envisioned as a solemn yet inspiring space, designed to educate the public about the profound sacrifices made by the men and women who served in defense of

our country,” said Cemetery Administrator Robbin Kelley. “It seeks to honor not just the names, but the legacies of veterans from the Revolutionary War, Civil War, and beyond, connecting their stories to the freedoms we cherish today.” 

“As a veteran myself, it warms my heart to know veterans are appreciated and remembered,” guest speaker retired Chief Petty Officer Robert L. Parr said at the ground breaking. “And so even should we remember those first patriot veterans, lest the veil of time conceal our country’s conception and the contribution thereof of our own Harwich townfolk of the time, we dedicate this ground to remembrance of their endeavors in that regard.” Parr, a 20-year veteran of the Navy, was also the keynote speaker at the town’s Veterans Day ceremony held Nov. 11 at the Veterans Memorial Circle.

The groundbreaking for the Walk of Remembrance was an opportunity to honor the importance of the project and recognize the key individuals and groups who have contributed to its realization, Kelley said. 

 This is just the beginning of the walkway, which will include World War I, World War II veterans, Gold Star Families and more, said Kelley. The project has been four years in the making, she added, noting that the Revolutionary War and Civil War memorials will be installed in 2025.

Kelley acknowledged Lynne Zalesak of the Harwich Historical Society for her help with the research into the local veterans who fought in the wars.

“The Walk of Remembrance is more than a physical pathway,” Kelley said. “It is a journey through history, a space for collective gratitude, and a bridge that connects us to the sacrifices of those who came before us. By educating the public and creating a place of remembrance, this project will ensure that the stories of our veterans are preserved and celebrated for generations to come.”