Burlington Honors Those Fallen in Defense of the Nation

A large crowd gathered at Chestnut Hill Cemetery yesterday to honor and remember those who gave their lives in defense of our nation in a Memorial Day ceremony.

The ceremony was in honor of all members of the military who have passed though the theme this year was medics and military nurses.

"Studies have shown that the survival rate of battle field injuries is higher with qualified and well-trained medics," Director of Veterans Affairs Robert Hogan said in a release about the ceremony. "Throughout our program, we will hear from and about medics. We will also hear from nurses, women veterans, as we also remember their sacrifices."

There are also some notable anniversaries during 2013, Hogan explained. It is the 200th anniversary of the creation of the Star Spangled Banner Flag, and they will be raising this flag during this portion of the program. It is also the 60th anniversary of the end of the Korean War, and 50 years ago, WW-2 veteran, President John F. Kennedy was killed.

"Memorial Day is a profoundly important day in the veteran community," Hogan said. "It is the day we as a nation remember and honor those who have given the ultimate sacrifice. Here in Burlington we have our Memorial Day ceremony honoring not only those who died while serving, but we also remember all the veterans in town who have died since last we gathered for the previous Memorial Day. The families of these veterans attend the program just for the moment that their loved ones’ name is read aloud."

There was also a ceremony at 8 a.m. on the Town Commons.