Scrapbook: Memorial Day Ceremonies Honor Sacrifice

Speakers Rev. Dean Pedersen and Rich Malagrifa mused on service and sacrifice at observances Monday at the .

About 250 people gathered for the ceremonies.

Rev. Pedersen considered Taps on the 150th anniversary of the musical piece often played at military funerals and on Memorial Day. He reflected on the Purple Heart medal awarded to those who have been wounded or killed in military service.

Ultimately these ideas led him to think of those who were attached to United States military units and took actions not for glory but for those to whom they were attached, he said.

The chairman of the Board of Selectmen, Rich Malagrifa, reflected on sacrifices he witnessed in his 10 years as a fighter pilot and instructor in the United States Air Force.

"Nothing is more sobering than having four aircraft go on a mission, and watching three return," he said.

"... . Nothing is more feared than to have your loved one's commander show up on your doorstep wearing his or her formal military attire to give you news that you never wanted to hear."

Sen. Thomas McGee addressed the audience, as well.

Ceremonies included raising the colors, bagpipe music, taps and a 21-gun salute.

VFW Post 1240 hosted an open house after the ceremony.

Swampscott veterans lost in wars:

Civil War: 14

WWI: 6

WWII: 51

Korean War: 2

Vietnam War: 4

The Global War on Terror: 2