Scattered showers did not dampen the reverent spirit of the dozen citizens who gathered at the Honor Roll Park by the Monument for a brief flag ceremony presented by Chittenden Historical Society President Steve Welch and Pastor David Smith.
Following the flag ceremony attendees drove to the Chittenden Grange Hall for the extended program. A total of twenty were present to pay their patriotic respects to those brave men and women who have died in service to their country. They were welcomed by the sound of patriotic melodies presented by Martha Welch on keyboard.
President Steve Welch welcomed all and introduced Chittenden Historical Society members and musicians Bruce and Molly Douglas. They presented a USA song, “This Land is Your Land” by Woody Guthrie and a Vermont song, “The Hills that I Call Home” by Robert Ames and the Front Range.
Joseph Meyers read Abraham Lincoln’s “The Gettysburg Address”. This address has become a much-loved tradition for Chittenden since Robert Webster began reciting it by heart. Joseph then introduced the Call to Colors/Flag Ceremony.
Pastor David Smith and Steve Welch brought the Stars and Stripes forward. While Rebecca Kerns tipped the flag and held it high all recited The Pledge of Allegiance. Steve Welch played Taps on his trumpet. David and Steve then retired the colors.
Steve then introduced the keynote speaker, David Sargent. David is a Chittenden native who served in the United States Army in Viet Nam. He is widely-traveled and has served the Town of Chittenden for many years. David’s address was directed to the 1300 residents of Chittenden. He said that Peace, Liberty and Daily Security are not free. Chittenden men and women in addition to many, many others in the United States have paid the price through thirteen wars, including 911. Brave men and women who answered the call came from ordinary lives doing extraordinary things and paid the ultimate price. They wanted to come home. We are very blessed to call the beautiful State of Vermont home.
The Civil War statue has stood for more than a century is testament. The Community Honor Roll is there for the townspeople to view. It reminds us to live lives worthy of the sacrifice, remember and honor, pass along to the next generation and build community. A final thought, pause, look at the flag and think of those who died. Never Forget.
Pastor Smith also addressed those assembled. He shared that he had read “The Battle Cry of Freedom”, by James MacPherson recently. The books cites the numbers of those who have died in wars. This can become overwhelming and it is easy to think that we are not significant and don’t matter. However, Psalm 23 tells us that we do have value. We are guided, cared for even in the darkest times, and we are always loved.
He called for a Moment of Silence. This was followed by a prayer of praise that we do matter and extorting leaders to please lead us.
Bruce and Molly Douglas provided another set of songs. “I Hear Them Old Green Mountains Calling Me” by Molly’s childhood friend, Gayle Keyes. The song is reminiscent of their childhood in the Battenkill Valley of Vermont. This was followed by “America, the Beautiful” by Katherine Lee Bates and Samuel Ward which everyone joined in singing.
Martha Welch presented the History of the Lilacs. At the close of the Civil War Decoration Day was established for the end of May. In the Northeast lilacs are often in bloom at that time so they were used extensively. Those who lived near bodies of water adapted the tradition to honor sailors who were lost at sea. People would march to a bridge, say a prayer and cast the lilac blooms into the water. The tradition was highly influence by Walt Whitman’s elegy “When Lilacs Last in the Dooryard Bloom’d”. Martha shared lilac blooms that she had gathered in her neighborhood for attendees to take with them and cast them into the water.
The service concluded with the Salute to the Services. Everyone sang the songs of the Armed Services including “The Army Goes Rolling Along”, “A Salute to the United States Coast Guard”, “The U.S. Air Force”, “Anchors Aweigh” and “The Marines Hymn”.
Afterward everyone enjoyed refreshments and fellowship.
