'They gave their lives and deserve more than one day'

Hundreds of red rose petals in tribute to fallen sailors draw a salute from the bridge during Rochester's Memorial Day observance on Monday. (Lebanon Voice photos)

COPYRIGHT2017© ROCHESTER - Several hundred turned out on Monday to commemorate the sacrifices made by America's war dead, but keynote speaker I.S. Navy Cmdr. Greg Fairchild of Portsmouth said those servicemen and women who made the ultimate sacrifice deserve more.

Speaking to a hushed crowd at the Rochester Commons, Fairchild, a veteran of Iraqi Freedom, the second Gulf War, said those gathered should enjoy their picnic or their weekend activities on this first weekend of summer but reminded them to "Remember this holiday for what it is, so that the sacrifice of the fallen are not forgotten."

In the spirit of some groups that have called on Americans to step up and commit a day of volunteerism in remembrance of those who died protecting our freedoms, Fairchild invoked that same spirit of community service.

"They gave their lives and deserve more than one day a year from us," he said.

World War II vet Leo Huppe and Korean War vet Al Benton prepare to place the wreath at the memorial for fallen servicemen and women on Monday at Rochester Commons.

The highlight of the brief service was the laying of the wreath at the servicemen and women's memorial at the Commons, which was executed by Korean War Air Force veteran Al Benton and World War II Army veteran and Silver Star Medalist Leo Huppe.

After the service the Spaulding High Band performed patriotic songs that a large crowd remained behind to hear as a light mist began to fall.

Earlier on the North Main Street bridge the parade stopped for a short ceremony that paid tribute to the men and women lost at sea in service to their country.

Marchers in the parade included the veterans, Spaulding High School Air Force Junior ROTC,

Emily McCullum of the Red Raider Marching Band, a Spaulding High senior, plays taps during a Memorial Day service to fallen sailors on the North Main Street bridge.

Spaulding High School Red Raider Marching Band, the American Legion Riders and Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts.