Annandale’s Memorial Day parade began at 10 a.m. Monday, May 28. The parade route, through Main Street, toured from the Annandale Middle School to the Annandale Municipal Park, and then on to the Woodlawn Cemetery.
Bob Frappier, Annandale Honor Guard, emceed the ceremony. Chief of Police Jeff Herr was the keynote speaker.
"Let us remember how many we have lost," said Herr. "The Revolutioary War; 4,435. The Civil War; 750,000. World War I; 116,516. World War II; 405,399. Korea; 36,574. Vietnam; 58,220. Persian Gulf; 383. Afghanistan; 2,215. Iraq; 4,411."
According to Herr’s numbers, over 1.37 million American soldiers have lost their lives in foreign wars. That’s more than the population of San Antonio, Texas or the entire state of Maine.
"Pray for the families and friends of our dead soldiers. Let’s help them celebrate the life and legacy of their loved ones," said Herr.
"Their sacrifice is meaningless without remembrance," noted Herr.
The Annandale Scouts, both boys and girls, accompanied the Annandale Honor Guard, as did the Annandale Drumline.
The ceremony, while only lasting an hour, brought scores of spectators out to the parade route and to the cemetery.
Be the first to comment