ROYALSTON – Residents gathered on The Common Monday afternoon, joining communities throughout North Quabbin in celebrating Memorial Day.

John Divoll served as master of ceremonies for the event, while Peter Newman, chaplain for American Legion Post 102, provided the opening prayer.

U.S. Army Colonel (ret.) Steven Egan, the ceremony’s keynote speaker, led the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the singing of the National Anthem by Royalston resident Jessie James.

“The reason for Memorial Day is to remember and reflect on those who died while in service to the nation as members of the armed forces, who made the supreme sacrifice,” Egan said. “We also recognize and honor the Gold Star families who sent their loved ones off to war, never to return.”

Egan said ceremonies were taking place across the country and, “In this way, we never forget.” He noted that Royalston has answered the call to serve ever since two dozen community members responded to the Lexington alarm in 1775. Many of them, he said, fought in the Battle of Bunker Hill.

In the Civil War, Egan continued, “All told, of the 147 Royalston sons who served, 33 were lost in the war. They fought for one another and to keep this nation whole. So remember their service.”

Speaking of those who served in subsequent wars, Egan said, “When we talk to survivors, Medal of Honor recipients, why they did what they did….they will tell you it wasn’t for glory, it wasn’t for some ideal, it was for the person next to them – their brother or sister (service member) – that they made that sacrifice.

“So today, we remember those Americans who laid down their lives for one another in service to the nation. So please, remember the fallen, remember the missing in action, their families, friends, and loved ones, and brothers and sisters in arms.”

Egan’s address was followed by Bobbi Newman of the Women’s Auxiliary reading from “The Meaning Behind the 13 Folds of Old Glory.” As she did this, Royalston residents Benjamin Streeter and Bayard Hard folded the flag into its familiar tri-corner configuration.

Prior to the placement of the memorial wreath by Fire Chief Eric Jack and Bobbi Newman, James sang “God Bless America.” The American Legion Post 102 Honor Guard then fired a salute. The concluding prayer was offered by Peter Newman before the ceremony ended with the playing of Taps by Bayard Hard.

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