Memorial Day Observation Alton, NH
Camp Constitution was honored to attend and videotape Alton, New Hampshire’s Memorial Day Observation hosted by the Claude R. Batchelder Post 72 American Legion Post. The parade started at Monument Sqaure and marched to the Riverside Cemetery. The ceremony at the cemetery consisted of a prayer offered by Pastor Hollo of the Community Church of Alton, Commander’s Words by American Legion Post Commander Bill Conners, a recital of “In Flanders Field” by Lisa Rojeck of Prospect Mountain High School, the recital of the “Veteran’s Prayer” by Post Chaplain George Feeney, Salute to the Dead by the American Legion Family Color Guard. and the playing of “TAPS’ by Tom Stevens of the Prospect Mountain High School Band.
The marchers went back to Monument Square where attendees and participants heard Mr. Russ Sample sing the “National Anthem” followed by Decorations of the Civil War, WWI, WWII, Korean, and Vietnam War Memorials by the American Legion Auxiliary members Kathy Randall, Gail Hoage, Peggy Culverwell, Jessica Rowell, and Beverly DeMille respectively, a reading of ‘The Gettysburg Address” by Emily Seigler of Prospect Mountain High School, speeches by Commander Bill Connors, and Alton Selectman Paul Larochelle, a reading by Julie Connors of the Auxiliary, a Salute to the Dead by the Color Guard, “Taps” by Tom Stevens, It was closed out by the singing of the “Lord’s Prayer by Russ Sample.
(Emily Seigler reciting the “Gettysburg Address”)
The organizations that participated in the parade included Alton Police Dept, American Legion Riders, Boy Scout Troop 53, American Legion Post 72 Color Guard, and its Auxiliary, Sons of the American Legion, Grand Marshall, Alton Community Church, Alton High School Band, Girl Scouts, Cub Scout Pack 33, Alton Dance Academy, New Durham Tee Ball, Alton Youth League, New Durham Track and Field, Cal Ripken Rookie, Alton Officials, and Alton Business Asso. The Fire Departments of Alton and New Durham used their ladder trucks for the display of the American Flag. The Grand Marshall was Alan Baumann, U.S. Navy Past Post Commander.