Rain dampens parade, but not Memorial Day spirit

Local veterans are remembered, honored during shortened, indoor ceremony

Manuel C. "Manny" Correira
Posted 5/31/16

The Bristol 4th of July Committee crowned a new court Saturday, naming a new Miss and Little Miss 4th of July.

Samantha Golden, 17, daughter of Greg and Tina Golden, was named Miss 4th of July; …

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Rain dampens parade, but not Memorial Day spirit

Local veterans are remembered, honored during shortened, indoor ceremony

Posted

As Memorial Days go, the weather wasn’t exactly what the doctor ordered.

Steady rain fell throughout most of the Monday morning hours, causing cancellation of the annual Memorial Day Parade, along with outside ceremonies at the North Burial Ground and the War Memorial Garden on Hope Street. This marked the first time in nearly 20 years that the parade had been cancelled, according to several veteran parade participants.

“Sure, I’m a little disappointed,” said this year’s parade chief marshal, 87-year-old Korean War veteran Joseph Medeiros. “I was so looking forward to being in the parade. But, what are you going to do? It’s the way it is. I’m so proud to be the chief marshal this year, and it’s such a top honor for me. I believe I’m the first Korean War veteran to be chief marshal.”

With the weather being uncooperative, Memorial Day ceremonies moved inside the Bristol Train of Artillery hall, where a number of war veterans, dignitaries and friends gathered to remember their fallen heroes. Guest speaker, RI National Guard Command Sergeant Major (Ret.) Joseph R. Diniz, reminded visitors why we acknowledge Memorial Day.

“Today is a day to reflect and remember all of those who are no longer with us,” said Mr. Diniz, who retired in 2009 with 30 years of service. “Today, as every other Memorial Day, we are taking a few hours out of our busy schedules to honor, acknowledge and thank all our veterans who have unselfishly answered the call of duty. Our freedom comes at a great cost. Many sacrifices are made in order to defend our country and our beliefs.”

Mr. Dinitz, a veteran and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and recipient of numerous military medals, including the Bronze Star, paid special tribute to the local veterans who have sadly died defending the country.

“Let’s not forget our local veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice, especially our brothers First Sgt. Andrew McKenna and Spec 4 Michael Andrade,” he said. “As John F. Kennedy said, ‘Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty.’”

One of the highlights of the program Monday was a special presentation by the winners of the Declaim Speech Contest at Colt-Andrews School. They were Nathan Rego, 1st place; Reyn Ferris, 2nd place; and Skyla Silvia, 3rd place. Each recited their selection from memory.

A laying of the wreath ceremony featured Joseph Medeiros, Joseph Diniz and Lou Francis, followed by a 21-gun salute, and taps played by Steve Skuba. There was also music by the Massachusetts Colonial Navy Band.

“Memorial Day is not about grief,” said Karl Antonevich, Co-chairman of the Bristol Vertans Council parade committee. “It is about remembering our loved ones and sharing their spirit, love and freedom for us. This is Memorial Day, remember those that gave their lives and that their spirit will live on forever.”

Mr. Antonevich co-chairman Ginny Hanson opened the ceremony by introducing Bristol Veterans Council President Lou Francis and local dignitaries. Invocation was given by Chaplain Lou Dutra of the Veterans Council and VFW. Capt. Dennis Boyer, Naval Station commanding officer; Capt. Michael Savagaux, commanding officer of the Newport Officers Candidate School; and Gen. Rick Baccus were also recognized, as were members of the Bristol Police Deptartment and Chief Josue Canario, and the Bristol Fire Department, headed by Chief Michael DeMello.

After introducing as this year’s chief marshal, Mr. Antonevich and Mr. Francis presented him with the ceremonial Chief Marshal sash.

While the weather certainly rained on his parade, Joseph Medeiros still received the honor of chief marshal, receiving his chief marshal sash. Mr. Medeiros enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1948, and carved out a noteworthy military career, culminating with the awarding of the Silver Star for Valor for “conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy.” He would later receive the Purple Heart. He was discharged on April 13, 1952, on his 22nd birthday.

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