Members of the American Legion and the Mattapoisett community gathered in front of the town’s public library to remember the men and women who died serving in the Armed Forces, a tradition that stems back to 1917.

During the ceremony, Selectmen Chair Jordan Collyer, whose grandfather Willis Collyer served in Second World War, encouraged everyone to ask veterans about their experiences.

“I don’t think anyone realizes how much pride our World War II veterans have,” he said. “They like to be heard and take pride sharing their experiences.

Guest speaker James Holmes, Associate Professor of Strategy at the Newport Naval
War College, agreed with the need to listen to veterans and asked the crowd to teach youth about the past.

“Memorial Day is more than a holiday,” he said. “It’s part of our cultural upkeep.”

Following the ceremony, veterans and town officials lead a parade through Mattapoisett Village.