Remembering Lives Lost on Memorial Day

The Town of Needham has a long history of showing the utmost respect to its veterans and Monday's Memorial Day ceremonies were no exception.

Organized by the Needham Exchange Club, the Town first marked the day at the Police and Fire Stations with special services. For the remainder of the morning, flags were raised and wreaths placed at various locations throughout Needham, including Needham Cemetery.

It was at the cemetery that Town officials and Needham veterans gathered to honor hose who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving this nation.

Matt Ching, senior vice commander for the Lt. Manson H. Carter VFW Post, was on hand to talk about the rich history of Needhamites defending their land.

"Needham Central Cemetery is a place of great historical value," said the Operation Desert Shield veteran. "In this cemetery…there are the buried ancestors who settled the land and, most importantly, defended themselves and the original colonies."

Ching also noted that there have "fortunately been no new burials" since engagements in southwest Asia.

"Today we honor those dead, particularly those who have fought and died for our nation's cause and those who have later died in life," Ching said.

Selectman Jerry Wasserman noted that some people remark to him that May is an odd time to mark a solemn event like Memorial Day, because it is "such an upbeat season."

"But there can be a very solemn feeling to a beautiful day such as we're having today that is befitting of a time to honor our fallen heroes," he told those gathered in the sunny weather. "It is precisely at this time of year, when life is so full of new beginnings and high expectations, that by contrast we can better understand and appreciate the sacrifice of those who gave their lives to protect our democracy."

After moving the crowd with Taps, veterans marched from the cemetery, with officials and the Needham High School Marching Band, to the Town Common. Among those marching was State Representative, and Needham resident, Lida Harkins, making one of her first public appearances since the Democratic primaries last month.

Upon gathering at the Common, the American flag was raised and notes from the National Anthem were again heard drifting through the air. The reflective mood was added to through Selectman Denise Garlick's reading of the Mary Elizabeth Frye poem, "Do Not Stand by My Grave and Weep."

"Do not stand at my grave and weep, I am not there, I do not sleep," she stated. "I am the American flag that snaps in the wind. I am the anthem that rings out in the schoolroom, the Town Meeting, the ballpark."

Garlick also reiterated earlier points that Memorial Day does not represent a day off from work, but rather a deep appreciation for lives lost in combat.

"What truly matters is that we know and understand the meaning of this great sacrifice, and that we honor the lives of these Needham servicemen and women, all servicemen and women, through our daily actions," she said. "Pause for a moment, yes, but live so that daily we earn, value and honor all that these lives have sacrificed to preserve, promote and protect. Our soldiers do not truly die, but live on in us."