A region remembers, honors the sacrifice of many

A young boy on his father's shoulders waves an American flag as Lt. Col. Bernie Collins speaks on Monday in Milton Mills of the sacrifice America's fighting men and women have made that we might be free. (The Lebanon Voice/Harrison Thorp photos)

As the guest speaker at Milton Mills Memorial Day exercises, Lt. Col. Bernie Collins (retired) talked of the sacrifice American's fighting men and women make every day, including the ultimate price of their own life.

He talked of how they weren't just soldiers, but someone's father, son or friend.

And then the 1978 Nute High grad brought it home for more than 100 Milton residents attending Monday morning's services, eloquently and passionately talking about a friend of his who lost his life recently in Afghanistan.

"I was his friend," Collins said. "I knew him and his wife. I was the one who took care of his cat when he and his wife went away for a trip. He was a two-star general. He didn't have to be where he was the day he died. But he was dedicated. And so he went."

Members of American Legion Post 214 lead a Memorial Day parade from the Hanson School to Town Offices on Monday.

After Collins' heartfelt remarks, a parade proceeded to the Acton Line bridge where a short service commemorated sailors who died in defense of their country, then made its way back through the downtown to the cemetery off Applebee Road for a laying of the wreath ceremony.

In Lebanon the same sentiment begun by Collins continued to resonate as Lebanon American Legion Post 214 Commander Don Lovely reminded residents to take some time out during their barbecue or family get-together to remember the sacrifice paid by American servicemen, many who are buried in faraway lands on foreign shores.

"Remember the sacrifice they made," Lovely said.

To end the service Taps were played and Lebanon resident and cannon aficionado Steven Wanager fired a three-gun salute.

Lebanon Cub Scouts salute their flag and the fallen along with members of American Legion Post 214, background.

Meanwhile in Rochester, Senior Airman Andrew Norton let attendees know a local price had been paid for recent wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, noting the 43 New Hampshire residents who have died in those conflicts.

Norton, 22, told a large crowd that the price of freedom can be very high and said Memorial Day is when we should remember the ultimate sacrifice many have made.

Rochester's Memorial Day services, which were held at the Common, were preceded by a parade there from Holy Rosary Church to the North Main Street Bridge where sailors who died in conflict were honored.

Steven Wanager of Lebanon signals a cannon salute during Memorial Day Services on Monday at Lebanon Town Offices.