Remembering Fallen Vets on Their Day

"Give me liberty or give me death."

Retired Navy Capt. James J. Quinn used Patrick Henry's famous words from the American revolution to emphasize the meaning of Memorial Day during Monday's ceremony next to the Barrington Honor Roll on the lawn in front of Town Hall.

Quinn was the primary speaker at the ceremony, which followed the annual parade through town.

"Those patriots gave blood and their lives to give birth to this nation," said Quinn, as did hundreds of thousands of other veterans in every war since 1776.

"When you look at flag today," he told hundreds of onlookers, "remember family members, relatives, and friends" who made the supreme sacrifice ... to defend the freedoms that allow us to assemble, and speak out and "worship as we choose and where we choose."

At the Honor Roll, veterans Luigi Carusi and Louis Codega placed a wreath. The Barrington Boy Scout Troop #2 raised the flag under the direction of Frank Santoro, and the Rev. Dean Perri offered an invocation. 

Molly Williams of the Barrington High School chorus led the signing of the national anthem. The high school band, under the direction of Barbara Hughes, provided music.

The police department rifle squad fired a salute and Lucas Bledsoe and Jacob Greenberg played Taps and Echo.

Evan Shoaf gave a stirring rendition of "The Gettysburg Address." Juyeon Ha and Ana Proulx sang "America the Beautiful.” 

Charles Brule, retired Army, served as emcee. Robert Smith was the honorary marshal. Town Council President June Speakman said a few words.

Ana Proulx led the signing of "The Battle Hymn of the Republic." The Rev. Perri closed the ceremony with a benediction.

The Memorial Day commemoration was organized by the United Veterans Council. The parade included hundreds of public officials, firefighters, the high school and middle school bands, police and fire apparatus, troops of Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts and Brownies and a contingent of Little League playes and coaches.

See the video above to get a glimpse of the annual parade.