For Rochester Memorial School marching band students taking part in the town's annual Memorial Day parade has a two-fold meaning.

On May 27, fifth grade students and band members Gabi Amato, Lily Govoni, Emma Keelera and Madeline Root all said they were most excited to honor their families' veterans together.

"I think just marching and everyone being here together is the best part of the day," Madeline said.

"This is our first time marching and we're a little nervous, but it'll be fun," Gabi said. "Like Madeline said, we just want to be together."

The girls joined the local Boys and Girls Scouts, color guard, ROTC, as well as the town's Selectmen, police and fire departments for the march from the Town Hall to World War II monument in Daggett Square.

Observances were in remembrance of all Rochester's men and women in the armed forces - from the Civil War to the war in Iraq.

Volunteer Veterans Coordinator Gordon Helm read President Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address to the gathered crowd.

Following Helm's reading, State Representative William Strauss, of Mattapoisett, commented on the importance of concluding the day's observances at the Civil War monument in front of the Town Hall.

"This is certainly the most compelling because when the Gettysburg Address was first read, the country was at war with itself to be one country," Strauss said. "We all have to remember that we have a responsibility every day for what those people sacrificed. We owe it to them and to the others who continue to serve our country."

For more photos, check out the video slideshow with the Rochester Memorial School marching band playing the National Anthem.