Marion, Mattapoisett hold Memorial Day ceremonies
Rochester Troop 31 presented the colors at Center School in Mattapoisett on Monday, May 25. Photo by Mari Huglin 
The Showstoppers sang patriotic tunes in Mattapoisett. Photo by Mari Huglin 
The Old Hammontown Band entertained the crowd. Photo by Mari Huglin 
One clarinet player wears a red, white and blue tie-dye shirt. Photo by Mari Huglin 
The Portuguese American Band played during Marion's Memorial Day ceremony in Sippican School on Monday, May 25. Photo by Grace Roche
Sippican School students play in their school band. Photo by Grace Roche
The Select Board ended the ceremony by placing a memorial wreath in front of the auditorium stage. Photo by Grace Roche
Rochester Troop 31 presented the colors at Center School in Mattapoisett on Monday, May 25. Photo by Mari Huglin
The Showstoppers sang patriotic tunes in Mattapoisett. Photo by Mari Huglin
The Old Hammontown Band entertained the crowd. Photo by Mari Huglin
One clarinet player wears a red, white and blue tie-dye shirt. Photo by Mari Huglin
The Portuguese American Band played during Marion's Memorial Day ceremony in Sippican School on Monday, May 25. Photo by Grace Roche
Sippican School students play in their school band. Photo by Grace Roche
The Select Board ended the ceremony by placing a memorial wreath in front of the auditorium stage. Photo by Grace Roche
Rainy weather might have moved Marion and Mattapoisett’s Memorial Day ceremonies indoors, but it didn’t dampen spirits.
Instead of a previously-planned parade, Marion held a ceremony Monday morning in the Sippican School auditorium.
The auditorium was filled with residents, music and speeches during the event, which featured performances by The Portuguese American Band and the Sippican Band.
Marion Select Board Chair John Hoagland thanked the bands for their performances and reminded listeners of the importance of Memorial Day
“Let us never take for granted the peace our veterans have secured for us, and let us live every day in gratitude for those not here, and for those veterans who are here with us today,” Hoagland said.
Some of the attendees came not only to memorialize the country’s fallen soldiers but also to enjoy the school’s young musicians.
Dudley Moor, of Westport, said he attended the event because two of his grandchildren played in the Sippican Band.
The Air Force veteran said he’s “always moved” by the ceremony, and is continually impressed with the talent of the band members.
“I've seen a lot of bands,” he said. “I've seen Marine bands — I was in the service — and in tech school, I heard a lot of bands, in basic training, at ceremonies. This elementary school band can hold its own. It's amazing.”
In Mattapoisett, residents gathered in Center School to celebrate and honor area veterans. The Showstoppers choir sang, the Old Hammondtown Band performed multiple patriotic tunes and the Rochester Scout Troop 31 hoisted the colors.
Select Board Vice Chair Jodi Bauer also spoke at the event.
Bauer said the best way to honor those who have served is to keep living and remember what they have sacrificed for.
“In a time when our nation can build a fight, Memorial Day reminds us of what unites us,” Bauer said.
State Rep. Mark Sylvia joined Mattapoisett in honoring veterans and those who serve with a few remarks.
“The freedoms we enjoy, the freedom to gather, to speak, to live our lives are because of the courage and selflessness of the people who serve in our country,” Sylvia said.
