STANDISH – The words “bravery,” “hero,” and “courage” were spoken as Standish residents gathered for the annual Memorial Day ceremony at Standish Municipal Complex on Monday.

“It would be a sad day if Memorial Day was only about barbecues and picnics and not what it really means,” said the Rev. Gary Wilkins of Standish Baptist Church. “I am grateful today for the freedom I have and the price paid for that.”

The event, conducted by the American Legion Post 128, paid tribute to veterans and active duty military personnel through music, various speeches by area residents and a flag raising by Boy Scout Troop 875 and a wreath-laying ceremony.

“Today, our duty is to remember our fallen,” said Wilkins.

At the conclusion of the ceremony guests were treated to refreshments served by Post 128’s Women’s Auxiliary.

Logan Matthews, 11, and his brother Lucas, 7, both of Standish, stand at the World War II Honor Roll Memorial on Monday at Standish’s Memorial Day Service. Logan Matthews, of Boy Scout Troop 875, was there to help raise the flag.
“This day is sacred,” said Town Councilor and American Legion Post 128 Commander Lou Stack. “May the ceremonies of today deepen our reverence of our fallen friends and comrades,” Stack spoke at the annual Standish Memorial Day service, held at the Standish Public Safety Building.
Members of Boy Scouts Troop 875 raise the flag to half-mast Monday.
Kathy Thompson of Standish salutes the American flag during “Taps,” at the Standish Memorial Day ceremony on Monday. Thompson, a nurse, served as a medic during the Vietnam War. “My mother and father served, my father in the Army and my mother in the Marines,” said Thompson. “So I knew I would join at some point. To me Memorial Day is not about the first day of summer, or a day to barbecue. It is about remembering our service members. That is so important.”
“Bravery, suffering, devotion to duty,” said radio announcer Bud Sawyer while describing United States Armed Forces men and women at the Standish Memorial Day ceremony. “I thank them.”