Burlington's Memorial Day Ceremony Schedule

Burlington will be honoring U.S. veterans and members of the U.S. Armed Forces that risked and gave their lives with two special services today in observance of Memorial Day.

According to Burlington Veteran Affairs Office Robert Hogan, the ceremonies this year will focus on women and nurses in the military and medics.

"At our 8 a.m. ceremony on the Town Common, the theme will be women and nurses in the military," Hogan said in a notice of the day's events.

"The theme at our 10 a.m. ceremony this year is 'medics.'" Hogan added. "Studies have shown that the survival rate of battle field injuries is higher with qualified and well-trained medics. 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."

The 8 a.m. portion of the ceremony will be held on the Town Common and the 10 a.m. ceremony will be held at Chestnut Hill Cemetery. Light refreshments will be served in the Human Services Building at 61 Center Street between the 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. programs.

"We look forward to seeing you as we respectfully observe Memorial Day 2013," Hogan said.

Click the attached PDF file for a full listing of the Memorial Day events and speakers.