Through the rain, Meredith remembers soldiers who died at war, missing in action

MEREDITH — Rain never stopped soldiers from serving their country, and while it forced a parade cancellation and a shift in schedule, about a dozen residents made the rounds to local cemeteries and monuments for Memorial Day ceremonies, led by members of Griggs-Wyatt American Legion Post 33.

Starting at Oakland Cemetery on Meredith Center Road, and finishing at the POW/MIA memorial in Hesky Park, a group of residents — which included military veterans and town leaders — honored the men and women of the U.S. military who died for America’s freedom Monday morning.

Protected from the steady rainfall by umbrellas, the group made stops at Meredith Village Cemetery, the Meredith Veterans Memorial in front of the public library, and Swasey Cemetery. Wreaths were provided by the Sims family of Wild Flower Florist, and laid by American Legion Post 33 Finance Officer Melissa Dever at each site.

Before laying the wreaths, supporters bowed their heads in prayer, and heard passages read by Meredith Fire Auxiliary Chaplain Cookie Boulanger, and comments from Post 33 Commander John Dever, about the importance of honoring fallen soldiers.

“Comrades, this day is sacred for the almost visceral presence for those who have gone before us,” John Dever said, as the rain poured down on Oakland Cemetery. “We honor the memory of those who gave their lives in the service of our country, and those others who have dropped pardons by the wayside of life, and have gone to eternal rest. May the ceremonies of today deepen your reverence for our departed friends and comrades.”

As a veteran of 20 years, serving from 1977 to 1997, as a first class petty officer in the U.S. Navy, honoring those who died in combat is near and dear to John Dever, for a multitude of reasons.

Dever said the town’s American Legion Post is named after World War I veteran Roy Griggs, and Roger Wyatt, his uncle who was a World War II veteran, and died when his plane crashed on their way to a bombing raid in Japan.

“It is very important to us to honor the people who have given their lives and made that commitment,” John Dever said. “It’s important to us, and has been for years and years. I marched in this parade when I was a kid, when I was a Cub Scout.”

At the Veterans Memorial, Boulanger read aloud a passage given to her by her son. She said Memorial Day is the most expensive holiday on the calendar. She said it isn’t simply a day off, but a day to remember others paid for “every free breath that we take.”

She said every hot dog or burger eaten, every spin around the lake in a boat, and every drink with family and friends, is a debt purchased by others.

“This isn’t about those who served, we’ll get to that in the fall,” Boulanger said. “This about honoring those who paid their life in blood. Those moms who never saw their sons again, the fathers who cried in private, the spouses who raised their children alone, and children who only knew their parents by their photography.”

Rob Weeks represented the Northeast POW/MIA Networks at the POW/MIA Memorial, which has a rock engraved with “Let us not forget,” and is a meeting spot for a weekly vigil since 1989.

“We’re in a bit of a unique spot down here,” Weeks said. “Thank you for coming out and honoring those who gave so much of themselves in honor of our nation.”

Weeks said while they honored those who had a headstone in previous locations that morning, he pointed to the memorial recognizing all veterans who remain unaccounted for.

“It stands representative of our enduring commitment to faith, trust and never to forget,” Weeks said. “Unlike those headstones of veterans we honored this morning, there are over 83,000 United States service members who remain designated as prisoners of war, or missing in action. What sets the POW service members apart is their status remains unknown.”

He said 80 years after the end of World War II, there are still no headstones to mark their deaths, to give their families closure. Weeks asked that on Memorial Day, people take the time to say a prayer for them, and their families.

“Until they all come home,” Weeks said. “Never forget.”

Selectboard member Mike Pelczar was at each stop, and said he is extremely proud of what American Legion Post 33 does year in and year out. Even with the rainfall, and making the tough decision to cancel the parade, it didn’t stop them from memorializing soldiers in all corners of town.

“They still took the time, in this inclement weather, to hold these ceremonies, showing their dedication and leadership,” he said. “On behalf of the board, I’m just so proud of these men and women, and am sorry for those who have lost their lives. It is so important to continue honoring them.”