Honoring and remembering sacrifices: Sharon

SHARON —  The Memorial Day parade and ceremony in Sharon on Monday, May 30,  followed tradition as veterans, vehicles, and the Sharon Center School band made their way down Main Street towards the Veteran’s Memorial by the clock tower.

Brian Kenny led the memorial service and Reverend Dr. Martha Tucker of Christ Church Episcopal opened the service with prayer.

After the Pledge of Allegiance, the raising of the flag and the presentation of the memorial wreath, keynote speaker Kyle Lepkowski began an impassioned speech about the realities of war. Lepkowski served two tours in Afghanistan over four years, and recalled his experiences as well as those who did not make it home. “Can you feel that? Can you put yourself in that young man’s shoes,” said Lepkowski in reference to his comrade who died in combat. Lepkowski continued, saying that Memorial Day  is for those grieving, and the remembrance of those who were lost.

As the  scheduled singer could not attend, the crowd joined together to sing “America the Beautiful”.

Kenny closed by thanking the town’s volunteer fire department and ambulance services, and Rev. Dr. Tucker closed with prayer, “Let us go forth into the world in peace.”

— Matthew Kreta