The recent graduates of 2015, recognized for their achievements during the May 29 commencement, were very talented art students, their teacher, Christine Maher said this week — and in upcoming sophomore and junior classes that tradition of talent will continue.

Art students at WHRHS will be honored with prestigious opportunities in the weeks to come as the school year comes to a close.

Mikaela Bukow and Brittany Lynch, both currently juniors, were chosen to work with an elite group of art students — Art Stars at the South Shore Art Center 119 Ripley Road, Cohasset will be part of the 60th annual art festival June 19-21. The exhibit called Earth, Wind and Fire, juried by Carl Belz, will be unveiled at the event. Both girls worked on the exhibit, with murals that are sixteen feet long. Visit ssac.org  for further information and program times as there are events for the entire family.

Bukow was also a first place winner at a Statehouse art exhibit sponsored by state Rep. Josh Cutler, D-Duxbury. She finds inspiration in the colors of dusk, landscapes and observing things out the window. She especially enjoys painting with acrylics.

“I will take a photo and then paint it later,” she said about when she sees something inspiring.

Lynch placed second under painting submissions and tied for third were Alyssa Johnson of Whitman and Hailey Hennessey of Hanson all in the same medium. Several other students from W-H placed in various other media. The contest, which is held in the fall, was open to Sixth District Student Artists at the high school level.

More than a dozen art students also took part in the Memory Project, a heartwarming portrait program supporting the world’s orphan children again this year.

They worked for several weeks to complete portraits using a photo assigned to them by Memory Project organizers. They completed the portraits, which were then taken to India and given as gifts to the children. For some students such, as junior Ian Davis, working with pastels presented a challenge, but found it rewarding to make something for someone less fortunate. This compelled him to try something new.

W-H chose India from the nonprofit program list of several countries with which Memory Project is currently working. Last year they worked on portraits for Mexican orphans.

“The orphans in these centers don’t have baby photos and this is something we were able to give them to keep,” said Maher who has taught at W-H for nearly two decades.

The idea of giving from the heart and creating an image of the child who may never have a photograph of themselves or a story of who they were at a young age is such an inspirational project, she said.

The Memory Project organization also followed up by creating a video so student artists were able to see the orphans receiving their portraits.  Several of the older children in India who spoke on tape said, “Thank you for making me this portrait,” as their faces lit up.

The younger children were seen dancing and twirling with excitement as they realized the portrait was of them.

A $15 participation fee was required to defray costs for volunteers and to create an art therapy program in the orphanage.

The Memory Project was developed by Ben Schumacher as a graduate student of social work at the University of Wisconsin.
In 2003, while volunteering at an orphanage in Guatemala, Ben learned that the kids had few special belongings to represent moments of their childhood. They had very few photos, for example, to serve as memories from their early years. Since Ben had always enjoyed making portraits in school art classes, he had the idea to get art students involved in creating portraits for the kids.

“To date the project has created nearly 50,000 portraits for kids in 34 countries, and we intend to keep going as long as possible,” according to the official website memoryproject.org

Davis and fellow junior Eric Lander will spend the weekend June 12-13 with other students handpicked for the prestigious Art All State. Fewer than 100 Massachusetts students were chosen to participate in the program, which will be held at UMass, Dartmouth.

The entry process included an interview, a review of their art resume, a written essay and questionnaire.

After the interview process the students are then notified on their acceptance in the program.

“They will have a wonderful opportunity to work with   small groups and professional artists,” Maher said. “They may be given cardboard and paint for example, and the entire room becomes a formed room of art.”

During the culmination of the program family members are invited to view the installation projects created by the students.

One past exhibit included thousands of colorful strings and wires, said Davis who said he had researched some of the years past projects aheaad of his trip. He enjoys working with ceramics and creating with his hands, and is passionate about drawing.

Lander enjoys pen drawing. He creates cartoons and usually finds himself working with acrylics. He is inspired by unique facial features and transforms people he knows into characters.

“It is rare that we would have two students chosen for the same program. This is the second year W-H has had two students chosen. Sometimes schools don’t have anyone chosen,” said Maher.

She allows everyone to participate in contests or juried programs at their own levels and categories, and considers how well they will best succeed. Her classes, from beginning to advanced, have numerous opportunities and yearly programs outside the school. Their strengths and potential as well as their personalities — sometimes the interview process or speaking at the conference can bring them out of their shell and grow in self-esteem, she said.

Last month students Elizabeth Ingram, Leah Ricciarelli and Caroline Woodward who all worked on portraits for the Memory Project were also chosen to attend and speak at Stone Hill College in Easton at a day-long convention.

“We sat on a panel; we gave an explanation of our orphan portraits and also answered questions,” said Ingram who is a sophomore. “It was a new experience being able to present our project.” She was recently awarded eight places in showing her works in the Art in Bloom at W-H, a reception celebrating the arts.

Ricciarelli who said she has been drawing forever recently drew a Kurt Cobain scene of the singer on stage. Although before her time, she enjoys Nirvana music and knows the story behind Cobain’s troubled life.

Woodward has always enjoyed art since a young age. She calls her art therapeutic. She uses pastel and charcoal. She understands and uses gesture drawings, which is a concept of movement. Maher called the technique challenging but said Caroline meets the challenge well.

The Class of 2015 has already made its mark on the world.

During commencement exercises Friday, May 29, Principal Jeffrey Szymaniak noted many of the 260 graduates’ accomplishments both in school and the community.

The weather, as noted in the yearbook —“Remember when school started with a hurricane two years in a row?” — and speeches — also made an impression.

“I think we should take a moment to thank our parents, for not only supporting us but for having us in the year they did, which eventually put us in the senior class of the endless snow days,” noted student speaker Sandra Ford.

“Every class and each senior year have their own unique characteristics, and this class is no exception,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ruth Gilbert-Whitner.  “Not only was your senior year the snowiest on record, you arrived at today’s commencement exercises having completed a school year shortened by nine school cancellation days. You are One Efficient Class! You were able to get it all done in record time.”

But at heart it was a ceremony of pride in the academic and public service accomplishments of some extraordinary young people.

During his commencement remarks — broadcast on Whitman-Hanson Community Access TV and streamed live at whrhs.org — Szymaniak recognized seniors receiving awards and participating in school programs and community service projects.

Class officers, Student Council members, honor societies members, the six students entering the military, as well as the class advisors Brian Dempsey and Kristen Thomas, school staff who organized the commencement event, and faculty members retiring this year, were applauded during the ceremony.

Megan Concannon, Julia Lewis and Madeline O’Brien were saluted for steering the National Honor Society’s annual Miles for Meals fundraiser to a total of $4,200 which was divided between food pantries in Whitman and Hanson. The NHS annual movie night raised more than $600 to support Special Olympics.

Concannon and her fellow members of the Student Environmental Awareness Club, which installed  “No Idling” signs at the school’s driveway and began recycling and composting programs at W-H, were also applauded.

Sports team captains also led a community service day, performing cleanup projects for both towns while collecting more than 2,000 pairs of shoes donated to charity.

Szymaniak also noted that: 73 students qualified for John and Abigail Adams tuition scholarships to state colleges and universities based on MCAS scores; nine students received prestigious book awards from major colleges and universities; five students received major science and technology awards such as the Bausch & Lomb Science Award and the Renssalear Medal; 11 students were winners of music competitions or held leadership positions in the school bands and choirs; senior art students and DECA members of the senior class were recognized as well as those participating in Community Service Learning internships.

The 177 members of the Class of 2015 were also applauded for their participation in W-H sports programs, including 48 senior captains and the senor sportsmanship, All-Star and All-Scholastic honorees were also recognized during the ceremony.

Almost 40 members of the Class of 1965 were also included in the ceremonies, receiving 50th anniversary diplomas.

Szymaniak noted some of the changes the Class of 1965 has witnessed in the world since their high school commencement:

“When you graduated in 1965, you couldn’t download your favorite song on iTunes, but you could blast “This Diamond Ring,” “My Girl,” “Help Me, Rhonda” or “Satisfaction” on your 8-Track tape player,” he said. “A gallon of gas cost 31 cents, eggs were 53, milk was 95 and a phone call — on a pay phone — was a dime.”

College cost $1,000, at public or private schools, for both tuition and board.

In her remarks, Gilbert-Whitner spoke of the value of self-reflection.

“As you reflect upon your graduation from the Whitman-Hanson Regional High School, ask yourself: Who am I? Go beyond your name to expand your answer,” she advised. “What do I believe in? What matters the most to me? Who do my friends, my parents, my relatives, my boss, my co-workers, and my teachers think and say I am?”

Student speeches by Ford, Class President Stephen Gronlund, Salutatorian Krista Anderson and Valedictorian Caroline Mulrey touched on themes of their high school journey of self-discovery.

“The difficult, trying times are the times when we grow, when we are given the opportunity to make something great and happy and beautiful out of our lives. The times when we learn to see the good in every situation and filter out the bad,” Mulrey observed. “I hope we realize that no matter how difficult it may have seemed at times, Whitman-Hanson will always be a part of us.”

“I hope you’ve made memories that you’ll never forget. I hope you’ve met wonderful people and traveled to amazing places and also met some crappy people and traveled to disgusting places because you’ll never truly appreciate beauty until you’ve seen ugliness,” Anderson said. “I hope you’ve felt amazed and terrified and happy and sad and overwhelmed — all at the same time. And if you haven’t, I want you to know that you have the rest of your life.”

“Years from now, when you reflect back on all the memories you have of our time together, you will start to realize how great a class we truly are and how much you are going to miss this school,”   Gronlund said. “I’m proud to say the Class of 2015 is a group of caring people who are poised to make a difference in the world.”

“If there’s one thing I know about my class, it’s that a little bit of each and every one of you makes this world a better place,” Ford said. “You should all be extremely proud of who you have become, and I know you will only become more and excellent as the years go on.”

By Tracy F. Seelye and
Stephanie Spyropoulos
Express staff

WHITMAN — Town Administrator Frank Lynam advised residents at about 5 p.m., Friday, May 29 that the order to boil water in the wake of a Brockton water main break on May 27 had been lifted.

Water conservation wherever possible is still advised, however, due to the lack of rain over the past few months. Hanson has imposed a total ban on outside watering since May 18.

Lynam’s message via reverse-911 calls to town residents announcing the end of the boil-water order was the second within an hour on Friday.

“I hope [this] is our last message regarding water,” Lynam said. “We have been advised that the city of Brockton has lifted its water ban and we now do the same.”

He thanked residents for their cooperation and said full use of tap water was safe.

The first call on Friday, at about 4:20 p.m., announced verbal confirmation of the town’s second clean water test, but Lynam noted that, since the water is delivered from Brockton, the “water ban cannot be lifted until Brockton lifts its ban” on consuming water unless it had boiled vigorously for one minute.

The state Department of Environmental protection requires successive testing of three water samples to determine no bacteria is present before it can be consumed without boiling.

Lynam said Thursday morning no information had been seen that indicated there was contamination.

“But its reasonable to conclude that, when a two-foot main breaks, and all the aggregate then drops and mixes in the water, there’s a good chance [contamination could be present],” he said. “It’s one of the primary pipes coming from Silver Lake.”

A state of emergency had been declared by Brockton Mayor Bill Carpenter’s Office Wednesday, May 27 in regard to a major water main break on Central Street in East Bridgewater, the effects of which were felt in Whitman and Hanson. Whitman followed with an emergency declaration from Selectmen Chairman Carl Kowalski, in effect through noon Thursday, though the boil order had remained in effect for another 29 hours.

One of two 24-inch main feed lines on Central Street in East Bridgewater ruptured during the early morning hours. The pipes are 12 feet apart and workers were unable to determine which pipe had failed until 2 p.m.

Whitman, Hanson, East Bridgewater and Brockton were directly affected. The water is pumped from Silver Lake to Brockton with the interruption in the center of East Bridgewater. In Hanson, only residents of Main and Franklin streets and Sydney Lane were affected by the boil water order, according to the town’s Health Department.

A statement from W-H school officials was sent via auto connect to parents stated low water pressure was being experienced at WHRHS, Whitman Middle, Conley and Duval elementary schools. The other schools in the district were not affected and, while the pressure was restored at the schools by Wednesday afternoon, the boil-water order placed drinking fountains off-limits.

Bottled water was made available to students in the affected schools.

WHRHS Principal Jeffrey Szymaniak said the situation was “a pain in the butt” for schools.

The biggest issue was keeping bathrooms clean, he said. School administrators had decided Wednesday morning to serve lunch with disposable plates and utensils and to make bottled water available.

“The schools were prepared,” Lynam said.

By Thursday, the water main break had been repaired, and the City of Brockton was flushing its mains to remove sediment and discolored water, Lynam advised Whitman residents. Brockton then boosted its chlorine level to ensure clean water.

When Brockton completed the flushing process, Whitman flushed its mains and lifted the boil water order Friday evening.

Seeks Hanson officials’ help for utility costs

HANSON — Town officials will crunch the numbers to determine if more can be done to help the Hanson Food Pantry pay its utility bills.

Under the current lease agreement, the town picks up half the cost of utilities for the pantry, which is located in the former Nurses’ Building on the former Plymouth County Hospital site. The arrangement also keeps the pipes from freezing in winter in the front of the town-owned building, a space vacated last fall by the Plymouth County Extension Service. The Plymouth County Beekeepers Association also contributes funds toward utilities.

But the pantry, which has also been planning fundraisers to address the problem, is already facing a $4,000 deficit.

Fundraising Chairman Laura FitzGerald-Kemmett and Pantry Director Sharon Kennedy brought a request to renegotiate the lease, with the town underwriting all utilities, before the Board of Selectmen Tuesday night.

“What we’re here to talk about is the state of the union, if you will, with the Hanson Food Pantry — and we’re here to ask your help,” FitzGerald-Kemmett said. “Already it’s become abundantly clear that the utilities and some of the additional expenses that come with being in your own building are more than this little fledgling food pantry had anticipated and more than they have in their coffers right now.”

FitzGerald-Kemmett estimated the additional cost could be $2,000 per month, but noted that is an estimate as the pantry has only been in the building since January. Grants are also being looked into, she said.

The revenue “we can absolutely count on” each year is $4,500, according to FitzGerald-Kemmett.

“This could turn into quite a dire situation,” she said. “If we had know earlier we would have told you earlier.”

Town Administrator Ron San Angelo said the timing is difficult as the fiscal 2016 budget had been finalized for the July 1 start, but indicated a willingness to work with the Town Accountant and pantry officials to see if a proposal can be drafted and brought to the October Special Town Meeting.

“Let’s get a handle on what’s actually being spent by who and how much,” said Selectmen Chairman Bruce Young.

FitzGerald-Kemmett’s committee is planning to begin an annual appeal letter as well as a Pack the Pantry Auction at the Hanson AA in September. They are also visiting churches and civic groups about scheduling each for an annual fundraiser on a specific month and collection cans are being placed at town stores.

“One thing I learned the day that you guys opened over there was that monetary donations were better than … food because [you] can buy the food cheaper,” said Selectman Kenny Mitchell.

He urged people donate money to the pantry.

“A dollar can be magnified by 10 times by us purchasing where we purchase,” Kennedy said. “We can buy [food] much cheaper that the average person.”

She said that, while people get a tangible satisfaction out of donating a food item or items to the pantry, if people can afford to give cash the pantry can do so much more with it.

“This is an important resource for the town of Hanson,” FitzGerald-Kemmett said. The pantry serves 3,500 people each year, most of which are from Hanson.  As a USDA-grant recipient pantry they cannot — and do not — turn away people who are hungry.

“Hunger doesn’t know any town borders,” she said, noting that, historically, the out-of-town clients have been Pembroke residents referred by Hanson churches with which they are affiliated. The food pantry has its roots in the town’s churches.

The 501(c)(3) nonprofit is staffed by volunteers.

In other business, Selectmen approved and signed a new 10-year license agreement for cable television services with Comcast by a vote of 4-1, with Selectman Don Howard against.

The contract includes provision for fiber optic improvements between Hanson Middle School and Town Hall in order to provide clearer transmission of public, educational and government access programming.

Howard’s objection was based on Comcast’s rate structure, which he said prices out many seniors on fixed incomes.

Selectmen also welcomed new Hanson Police Officer Jarod Meegan, who was sworn in during the meeting. Meegan comes to Hanson from the Wellfleet Police Department.

“I was very impressed with members of the Wellfleet Department saying he was highly respected,” said Hanson Police Chief Michael Miksch. “They described him as responsible, motivated, dedicated and loyal.”

WHITMAN — Town officials are exploring the feasibility of entering a municipal electric aggregation with several area communities via the Old Colony Planning Council that could, if approved, save residents money on their electric bills.

Mass. General Law permits municipalities to enter into such aggregations with town meeting approval, according to Assistant Town Administrator Gregory Enos. An aggregation would allow bulk purchase of electric power through a collective effort of businesses and residents.

Such a vote would be about a year away, but the Board of Selectmen by consensus has green-lighted a look at the possibility.

“Basically, it allows residents to have a fixed price for up to three-to-four years … so they can budget,” Enos said. “This winter I know a lot of people saw their bills coming in during February and [were] going berserk. I know I got a few phone calls.”

A conservative estimate puts the savings per year in an aggregation at $125 per year per residential customer, varying depending on weather, with municipal savings much higher, Enos said.

Customers would be automatically signed up if the aggregation is approved, but may opt out at any time and Whitman is under no obligation to sign up for the contract, if the bids are not favorable.

“We’ve had two or three meetings going over this type of procedure,” Enos said of the OCPC. “We would hire a consultant through the RFP process. They would go to every single meeting they could potentially go to [do] social media responses … get all the information out about the program.”

Five of the 16 OCPC member communities — Whitman, West Bridgewater, Halifax, Bridgewater and Avon — have committed to bring the proposal to their boards of selectmen, according to Enos.

The towns will reconvene soon to go through the consultant selection process and examine the program in-depth before seeking bids.

The Southeastern Regional Planning Development Authority (SRPDA) has already done that work prior to putting out for bids within the next two months, he said.

WHITMAN — Students, faculty and honored guests paid homage to those who have served — and especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice — in the nation’s uniformed services during Duval School’s 12th annual We Remember program Friday, May 22.

Guests included members of the Duval family, Veterans Services Officer Tom McCarthy, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ruth Gilbert-Whitner, Selectmen Daniel Salvucci and Scott Lambiase, Fire Chief Timothy Grenno and retired Navy Seal Anthony O’Brien. Many parents also attended the program.

“We’re honored that so many people wanted to join us this morning to teach a valuable life-long lesson to the future citizens sitting in front of us,” said Principal Julie McKillop.

Fifth-grader Patrick McBroom led the school and guests in the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by fifth-grader Michaela Happeny’s performance of the national anthem.

Salvucci then spoke on the importance of respecting the American flag for which so many have fought and died.

He brought a display case built by one of his sons to display the WWII service medals, uniform patch and dog tags of his late father in-law Mark A. “Tony” Merline, who was a Navy Seabee. The case also holds a photo of Merline in uniform and an American flag that was flown over the U.S. Capitol in his name.

“He honored the flag of the United States with his heart and soul,” Salvucci said. “He felt that the United States has gone to war to free people … and while that freedom includes the right to disrespect the flag, it doesn’t make it right.”

The sacrifices of soldiers for the flag demands respect, he said.

O’Brien then followed his own tradition of having a handful of fifth-grade students dress in his old camouflage fatigue uniform blouses and covers to salute the five branches of the military.

“While you say thank you to us for our service, we say thank you to you — our teachers, our brothers in uniform on the fire and police departments — for your service as well,” O’Brien said. “[But] this weekend is about those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.”

He told the children that the best way to honor the dead is by helping the living and asked for a show of hands by those who would start on Tuesday to be helpers at home, the community and in school. Hands shot up all over the gym.

Marine Corps veteran McCarthy thanked the school for the moving  ceremony, one of several he was attending over the weekend.

“This weekend isn’t all about barbecues and having a good time with your family,” he said. “Please remember to thank a veteran when you see them — it’s important. There’s a lot of veterans who never got thanked in the past.”

He also encouraged the students to go to the Memorial Day parade.

“There’s been a lot of drop in participation at the parade,” McCarthy said. “If you can make it we’d love to see you there.”

Students sang patriotic songs and read original poems and essays as well as reciting passages from The Declaration of Independence, the preamble to the U.S. Constitution, “The Gettysburg Address” and Emma Lazarus’ sonnet  “The New Colossus” — written in 1883 and engraved in a bronze plaque placed at the Statue of Liberty in 1903.

“We are free because of these brave men who honored freedom in front of themselves,” student Joshua Scott read from an essay he wrote.

The program concluded with students and staff members placing small flags on a wreath in honor of family members who served in the military, followed by a moment of silence and the singing of  “God Bless America.”

Fifth-graders serving as escorts then presented red carnations to the honored guests before escorting them to the library for a reception.

A Civil War re-enactment group fires a salute in Hanson.
Photo by Stephanie Spyropoulos.

HANSON — Lining the streets with patriotic colors, adults and children alike waved and snapped photos as their family members, friends and neighbors marched by in the Hanson Memorial Day Parade Monday. Undoubtedly, many were enjoying the sunshine and warm weather at last, following our long, dreary winter.

Local veterans, church groups and town officials welcomed and reminded guests what the true meaning of the day and the cost of such freedom.

Veteran Drew Kitchen of Hanson was an infantry officer who grew up in Holden and graduated from Wachusett Regional High School in 2003.  He spoke at the Colebrook Cemetery about the significance of Memorial Day. A combat veteran on the front lines he served for 10 years in the United States Army, recently completing his service. He served in Iraq and Africa totaling 24 months of active tours, which included battle.

“I will never forget the many soldiers who fought alongside me and those who made the ultimate sacrifice,” he said.

He thanked his family for their support and strength while he was away as well as Hanson Veteran’s Agent Bob Arsenault for providing him confidence and courage to speak on a day, which is so difficult in the memories of his fallen comrades.

“I still remember the excitement and fear I felt giving my wife and daughter a kiss for one last time before boarding the plane to Iraq the first time,” Kitchen recalled. “As I looked at them I remember thinking ‘God please let me come home,’ and as I looked at my fellow soldiers I thought ‘God please let me bring them home.’”

Over his combined decade of service he returned home with 15 fewer soldiers.

He reminded those who live in freedom to not only honor them on Memorial day but to live in gratitude every day.

He ended his speech with an Army motto “No mission too difficult no sacrifice too great duty first.”

“God Bless America” was sung by all in attendance at the cemetery and later a medley of song was played by the middle school marching bands of Whitman and Hanson.

Ceremonies at Town Hall included a wreath-laying at the Civil War memorial along with a firing squad salute and the reading of “The Gettysburg Address” by Selectmen Chairman Bruce Young.

See more photos here.

Pack 22 Cub Scouts salute as ‘Taps’ is played at Whitman Town Hall ceremonies during Monday’s Memorial Day parade. A Civil War re-enactment group fires a salute in Hanson.
Photo by Tracy Seelye.

WHITMAN — The weekend’s sunny weather stuck around long enough to shine on the community’s expression of gratitude for those servicemen and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for country and freedom.

Larger than usual crowds lining the streets and gathering at wreath-laying ceremonies was noticed — and deeply appreciated by veterans.

“Over the years we’ve had fewer and fewer people,” said Whitman-Abington Veteran’s Services Officer Tom McCarthy in thanking the spectators for attending. “It looks like we’ve reversed that this year, we’ve got a great crowd.”

“We had a great turn out today,” said VFW Commander Aaron Richardson after the parade. “It was excellent. Great day, great weather. I thought it was a nice touch, getting the Scouts involved in the prayers.”

McCarthy is a Marine Corps veteran and Richardson served in the Navy.

“This weekend isn’t all about barbecues and that sort of stuff,” McCarthy said. “If you see a veteran, thank him for his service. We’re all very proud of what we’ve done for all of you and hopefully, you won’t have to do what we’ve done in the past.”

McCarthy thanked Plymouth County DA Timothy Cruz; state Rep. Geoff Diehl, R-Whitman; Selectmen Dan Salvucci, Scott Lambiase and Brian Bezanson for participating in the parade. Police Chief Scott Benton, Deputy Chief Timothy Hanlon and Fire Chief Timothy Grenno also marched.

Diehl and  Salvucci addressed the crowd during ceremonies at Town Hall.

“We gather to honor our fallen soldiers,” Diehl said. “Those who were so willing to give of themselves to defend their friends, their  families, their community and their country.”

He asked for veterans and their families to raise their hands for a round of applause and thanks.

“We stand in the midst of patriots and the families and friends who have nobly served,” he said. “Since the first shots at Lexington and Concord were fired and our Revolutionary War begun … nearly one million men and women in the armed forces have sacrificed their lives while defending America in time of war.”

For those killed in the line of duty — such as Maj. Michael Donahue, who was killed in Afghanistan last fall — the best way to honor them is to remember them and care for their wounded brothers and sisters and to safeguard their families, Diehl said.

“Because they gave the ultimate sacrifice, we can be here today, walking our streets in freedom,” Salvucci said of those lost in war.

Boy Scouts Adrian White, Zachary White, Brady Pare, Brady Stokinger and Drew Sullivan offered prayers at ceremonies along the parade route, as did the Rev. Joshua Gray, pastor of the First Congregational Church of Whitman at the WWI Memorial Arch.

Gray’s prayer offered thanks “for our many freedoms, thanks for our peace here, thanks for prosperity and security. On this Memorial Day we give thanks for the men and women who gave of themselves in times of war to help to ensure the blessings that we now enjoy.”

WHRHS student Krista Anderson read the Gettysburg Address at Colebrook Cemetery ceremonies and Tom Long recited Gen. Logan’s Orders at the Civil War Monument wreath-laying.

W-H Regional High School’s Panther Marching Band and majorettes participated in the parade, with trumpet players Brian Simonelli and Samuel Androk played “Taps” and “Echo” respectively during wreath-laying ceremonies.

Color guards from the police and fire departments as well as the VFW and a combined American Legion/Sons of the American Legion color guard and firing squad also marched. The latter fired ceremonial salutes during wreath ceremonies.

See photos here.