Honoring And Remembering On Memorial Day

HARWICH – There are many holidays in the United States celebrating veterans and armed service members, but Memorial Day is not one. 
 “We don’t celebrate Memorial Day, we honor and remember those who did not make it back,” said retired USAF Lt. Col. Charles Carroll in opening remarks at the town’s Memorial Day ceremony Monday. “Honor those who didn’t make it back, who returned under a flag-draped coffin.”   
 “It is a day of remembrance for the men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice,” added guest speaker retired Navy Captain Cathleen Donahue. 
 Donahue, who served in the Navy for 26 years, primarily providing medical systems and services, said she had colleagues, friends and shipmates who never returned to their families, and Monday was the day to honor them.
Donohue, a West Harwich resident, said one of the finest assignments she had while in the Navy was to serve as an escort officer for those who made that ultimate sacrifice. She said that as an escort officer she got to meet with families and work with them to honor those lost in conflict.
“They gave it their all, and today is the day to honor them,” said Donohue. “Take time today to think about those individuals who are not here today.”
Select Board member Donald Howell presented a proclamation on behalf of the board citing Memorial Day as a time to honor those who bravely served the country. 
“This day, this solemn day, is set aside to honor the memory and history of those who have died heroically for our liberty and for our country,” he said.
It is fitting to show gratitude for the ultimate sacrifice made by deceased servicemen and women, “individuals who served us all with honor and courage in order to protect and strengthen the ideals and principles of our country,” said Howell. 
“Throughout our country’s history, thousands of Massachusetts residents have fought in wars and conflicts to defend our safety and way of life,” Gov. Maura Healey wrote in a proclamation read by Howell. “It is appropriate that all of Massachusetts residents remember the bravery of those who gave their lives, so that their sacrifices serve as a reminder of the cost of our freedom.”
 Carroll concluded the ceremony by urging people who gather for cookouts to remember and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice, because if it were not for such sacrifices such festivities might not be possible.