The American Civil War began 146 years ago; World War II started 68 years ago; Vietnam, 42; The Korean War, 57; and the war in Iraq still rages today after nearly 5 years.
This past Memorial Day was not just a random day off from work, it was a day to remember all of our brave men and women who have proudly served our great country. Nantucket's way of commemorating our soldiers was an exceptional tradition that many members of the community are regulary involved in.
A parade began downtown at 1 in the afternoon at the American Legion Hall. Men and women, their families and children, gathered for the traditional march throughout town that eventually led up to the Prospect Hill Cemetary.
Selectman and former Nantucket Police officer Brian Chadwick was part of the event. "We're reflecting on our history of our country," he said, "It was very special to me to think about our present military members and how much they mean to us."
Korean War veteran Robert Mooney was also part of the monumental parade. "It means something to those of us that served in uniform, but this whole town has something to remember here. The soldiers' graves behind me [at Prospect Hill Cemetary] go back to the Civil War," he said.
The parade and ceremony on Nantucket is a chance for current and past members of our military to proudly remember the many causes our country has had to fight for.
"It's a great Natucket tradition," stated Mooney, "I hope it continues for years to come."
