Honoring sacrifices

Kent, once again, honored Memorial Day with a parade. 

Under cloudy but dry conditions, the parade proceeded from Kent Center School through the town center, with stops at St. Andrew’s Cemetery (where the Rev. Douglas Worthington offered a memorial invocation) and the town’s war memorials. 

Veterans led the parade, followed by the Kent Center School band, fire department and ambulance volunteers, and a vintage auto motorcade. 

There were gun salutes, prayers and the recitation of the Gettysburg Address at the Civil War memorial. 

Townspeople, waving flags, were hugely appreciative and turned out in great numbers.

This year’s parade was, of course, organized by Andy Ocif — who has announced that this was his last year in charge.

Parade Marshal Andy Ocif, at right in photo, who has organized the Memorial Day observances for many years, announced that this will be his last year organizing the ceremony. Photo by Lans Christensen

Photo by Lans Christensen

Photo by Lans Christensen

Parade Marshal Andy Ocif, at right in photo, who has organized the Memorial Day observances for many years, announced that this will be his last year organizing the ceremony. Photo by Lans Christensen