Event seeks to highlight true meaning of Memorial Day

This Memorial Day will see a new event to honor the service and heroism of those service men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice while in service to our country.  “Memorial on the Mystic” will feature an outdoor musical tribute presented by the Metropolitan Wind Symphony, N’Harmony, and the Somerville High School Chorus followed by a spectacular fireworks tribute as the evening’s finale. Hosted and emceed by Commissioner of Veterans’ Services Bryan Bishop and Greater Somerville’s Joe Lynch, this one-hour performance hopes to bring awareness to the true meaning of Memorial Day.

“Every day, we each enjoy freedoms that our service members gave their lives fighting to preserve. I encourage everyone to join us as we pause to gather as a community to pay tribute to their service, honor their sacrifice, celebrate their bravery, and show support to their families,” said Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone.

“I think we as a nation have forgotten what this day is all about,” said Commissioner Bishop who is a 20-year Air Force Veteran. “After you have had your barbecues and celebrations, come join us as we conclude the weekend with a commemoration of service and a celebration of life.”

The outdoor concert is free and open to the public. A limited amount of chairs will be provided, so please bring a lawn chair or a blanket and help us remember our fallen heroes and their families. Monday, May 27, at 7:30 p.m. at  Sylvester Baxter State Park at Assembly Row.

In addition, the city’s Annual Roll Call of Heroes Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony was held Sunday, May 26 at 4:00 p.m. at Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery on Broadway (just west of the North St. intersection). At this observance of Memorial Day, the community honors and remembers its fallen heroes. Sixty-nine heroes from World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and the 1983 Beirut Bombing are laid to rest at Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery.  This ceremony provides an opportunity for our City to come together and honor the service and sacrifice of all who serve.

For more information or if you have questions about Veterans services or events, contact Bryan Bishop at 617-625-6600 ext. 4700 orbbishop@somervillema.gov.

Individuals with disabilities who need auxiliary aids and services for effective communication, written materials in alternative formats, or reasonable modifications in policies and procedures, in order to access the programs and activities of the City of Somerville or to attend meetings, should contact the City’s ADA Coordinator, Nency Salamoun, at 617-625-6600 x2323 or NSalamoun@somervillema.gov .

— City of Somerville