Medfield Gathers For Memorial Day 2021 Observance

Medfield Observes Memorial Day 2021

Although the ground was damp and the sky gloomy at 11am, a meaningful and apropos ceremony was held at Vine Lake Cemetery in observance of Memorial Day in Medfield. The ceremony was brief with Beckwith Post 110 Legion Commander Fred Wise and Vice Commander Frank Iafolla leading the way.

Approximately 50 people were in attendance, comprised of Medfield residents and their families, MHS students, veterans from all branches of service, Legionnaire members, invited guests, members of the Medfield Fire Department and Rev. Fr. Steve Zukas (USN), pastor of the Collaborative St. Edward / St. Jude parishes.

Similar to last year, due to Covid-19, with no parade and formal ceremony scheduled, this condensed version of the Memorial Day observance was as follows:

• Welcome: Vice Commander Iafolla welcomed and thanked everyone for attending,
• Commander Wise introduced the "Colors"
• "Colors" presented by Sgt. at Arms, Karl Schwartz and Chaplain, Paul Garafolo,
• Commander Wise led everyone in reciting the "Pledge of Allegiance",
• Rev., Fr. Steven Zukas (USN) offered a prayer,
• Lt. Commander Joseph Cavanaugh (USN), Invited Guest Speaker,
• Placement of Memorial Wreath at base of flagpole, Legion Lot, by Iafolla and Wise
• Iafolla read the names of the Medfield Veterans who passed away this past year,
  • James Congelosi (Army WWII)
    
  • Laurie Rhodes (Navy WWII)
  • Douglas Morse (Air Force)
  • Alfred Marsilli (Army Korea)
  • George Kingsbury (Navy WWII)
  • Wilbert Lannon (Army Air Corp. WWII)
  • James Harris (Army Korea)
  • Eric O'Brien (Navy Vietnam)
  • Gerald Lake (Army Vietnam)
  • Harold Gibbons (Navy WWII)
  • Louis Fellini (Navy Korea)
  • Albert Manganello (Marines Vietnam)
  • Leonard Haigh (Army Korea)
  • Basil McColloch (Army Korea)

• Closure: "Taps" were played by Medfield HS student, Yanni Passis.

Memorial Day: "Never Forget, Forever Honor."