ATHOL – The region’s long string of rainy days broke just in time to provide the perfect setting for Monday’s Memorial Day services throughout North Quabbin.

As in years past, members of several Athol-area veterans organizations held brief ceremonies at Vietnam Veterans of America Park, Phillips Park and VFW Park before proceeding to Silver Lake Cemetery for the main program of the day.

The opening prayer for the memorial was offered by Deacon Bryan Lagimonier of the North Quabbin Catholic Community. The Athol High School/Middle School Band played the National Anthem following a flag-raising ceremony conducted by members of each of the veterans groups participating in the services – AMVETS Post 793, American Legion Post 102, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 650, Pequoig Detachment 1168 Marine Corps League, Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 340, and Disabled American Veterans Chapter 46.

The keynote address was given by veteran Bill Wrigley, who served in the U.S. Army JAG Corps.

Wrigley spoke of the sacrifices made during the Civil War and the persistence of President Abraham Lincoln who, he said, “Single-mindedly and courageously carried on with his devotion to the purpose of preserving our union. Lincoln was guided by the deep, abiding belief that the heavens had conspired in choosing him to lead this effort. He drew spiritual strength from the proposition that right makes might. He believed our nation was destined to prevail, and he was right.”

Lincoln, said Wrigley, believed the Constitution clearly defined that ours was to be a government “of the people, by the people, and for the people.” He noted that Lincoln encouraged people to “forever dedicate themselves to remembering those who tragically died preserving our union.”

“True to this purpose,” Wrigley continued, “we are gathered here today to both honor and memorialize those who have given their lives to the cause of freedom, and not just our own.”

Wrigley noted there are over a billion people living under the thumb of authoritarian leaders “whose governments deny basic human rights, including freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and freedom of religion.”

Noting that so many Americans have fought and died to spread freedom throughout the world, Wrigley said, “It is difficult to comprehend the horrific conditions of combat or to fully understand the uncommon courage and indomitable will exhibited by those who bravely fought and died. The unwavering dedication and devotion of American combat soldiers in defense of freedom and democracy, and for the love of country, perfectly define their selfless sacrifice. Upon our solemn oath today, we the living must promise to forever memorialize our fallen heroes.”

During the morning’s ceremonies, Boys State member Cooper Smith read “General Logan’s Memorial Day Order,” and Alana Dupont, a member of Girls State, read “The Things They Carried.”

After the laying of the memorial wreath by members of the American Legion Auxiliary, a salute was fired by the American Legion Firing Squad, Taps was played by the Athol High School/Middle School Band, and the Athol High School Choir sang “God Bless America.” Deacon Lagimoniere gave the benediction.

When ceremonies at Silver Lake Cemetery concluded, the annual Memorial Day parade proceed to Veterans Memorial Park in downtown Athol for a brief ceremony, concluding the day’s remembrances.

Greg Vine can be reached at gvineadn@gmail.com.