1975-5-31 Telegraph - Memorial Day Observance
Page 3 - Ledoux Says Legion Backs Ford's Action in Cambodia
The American Legion endorses President Gerald Ford's action in the Cambodian incident.
So said State Vice Commander Ernest Ledoux of Nashua in an address featuring the 56th annual memorial services of the local James E. Coffey Post yesterday morning at Deschenes Oval. Leo Maynard is commander of the Coffey post.
Ledoux said in part, "We of the American Legion proudly endorse the recent action of our President in the Cambodian incident. We must not back down in ay infringement on the rights of a free people. We must remain a strong nation and not a second or third-rate nation. The peoples of the world look to us for guidance and example.
Let us reflect a moment on the word patriotism. What does the word mean to us? The last two decades has seen a decline in the outward manifestation of patriotism. It has not been the 'in-thing' to show our 'love of country' and our 'love of the Stars and Stripes.'
We have become too blase, but I see a trend of returning to the concepts and ideals of these United States that have made us a strong and proud nation, a bastion of freedom for the oppressed peoples of the world."
Participating in the program were the Coffey Post Band; Paul Nelson as the organization's chaplain; Hudson Post 48, American Legion and the First New Hampshire Regiment.
Ledoux said, "In the troubled two decades since the heroes who are among those we honor this Memorial Day fought and died in the second world war against tyranny, the foes of freedom have made a mockery of peace.
They continue to test the will of free men to keep the freedom so dearly bought. They did it in Korea and in South Vietnam.
The deeds, the sacrifices of the brave men we honor today express a confidence in America and their fellow Americans.
That confidence, the faith was that the freedom for which they fought and died would be kept alive in this and generations to come.
Great courage, patience and determination are demanded of us in this role today. To falter in this role would be to break faith with these heroes. May our measure be in keeping with this task. This measure demands that we have faith in America. That we build her greatness by personal example. This then would be the beginning of a fitting tribute to those we seek to honor today."
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Page 3 - Mahar's Address Features City's Memorial Day Event
An address by Harold W. Mahar Jr., of Amherst, combat veteran of the Vietnam War, highlighted Friday's Memorial Day program. He urged his listeners "to know to remember" that more than 1,000 servicemen must be accounted for.
The speaker was an infantry platoon leader with the 173rd Airborne Brigade of the US Army in Vietnam. He has received two Purple Hearts and various American and foreign valorous citations.
Part of his talk follows:
"Since 1868, we in the North have decorated graves of all servicemen on May 30th. Since the decorating of graves was started to honor Civil War veterans in 1868, and since the South has a slightly different perspective concerning the 'war of Northern Aggression". Southern states have celebrated Decoration Day on April 26th, May 10th, or June 3rd.
Now you know: now you can remember: New Hampshire is continuing to observe the May 30th Memorial Day as we have since 1868. And, if you are the kind of people who celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, and the 4th of July on the same date every year; you might want to do what I've done -- write the governor.
I wrote, 'Dear Governor, I know my birthday is February 11th, I know the 4th of July and I remember it every 4th of July, and now I know Memorial Day is May 30th and I will remember it every May 30th. Thanks for agreeing with me -- once.'
So today, as we have for over one hundred years, we decorate the graves of all our servicemen and we remember. But, on this Memorial Day I want you to know/to remember something else --
I want you to know there are homes today without sons;
I want you to know there are homes today without husbands;
I want you to know there are homes today without fathers;
Most of all, I want you to know these men have no graves to be decorated; and I want you to remember, as these servicemen's wives, mothers, and children remember, that these men are still unaccounted for in Southeast Asia.
I don't care what your attitudes are about the Vietnam war -- whether you agree with Ted Kennedy or Barry Goldwater -- but I do want you to know/to remember that over 1,000 servicemen must be accounted for.
I want all of the men who served with me in Vietnam returned home. And, I want those unaccounted - for servicemen home before those who chose not to be servicemen return home from Canada.
That's all I have to say -- I just want you to know - to remember!"
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Page 1 The Parade
Thousands of persons, young and old, thronged Main Street to view a six-division parade, climaxing the annual May 30 observance. Sunny skies and ideal conditions prevailed, with the mercury at 76 degrees, as the colorful spectacle unfolded upon command of David Faulkner as chief marshal.
There were award-winning musical organizations, peppy majorettes, and the appealing First New Hampshire Regiment under the command of Colonel Raymond Atkinson. Members of the regiment fired their muskets frequently, startling young spectators. Marching behind them were women in Colonial dress, with a peasant effect.
The parade was reviewed at City Hall by Mayor Dennis J. Sullivan and his guests, Gold Star Mothers, and other city officials.
Chief of staff was Roland Morrissette and the liaison officer was Albert Biron, assisted by David Pierce and Paul Stoddard.
Leading the marchers were Chief of Police Craig Sandler and Deputy Chief Robert Belanger. The first division included the general staff, a color guard from the US Marine Corps, the 18th Army Band from Fort Devens, Mass., the First NH Regiment, Boy and Girl Scouts, Brownies and Cubs, carrying cards with the names of deceased veterans.
Peter Cote was marshal of the second division and it featured music by the Nashua High School Band under the direction of Stephen Norris, conductor. The Royal Purple Marching Band was judged best in the Cherry Blossom Festival Parade in Washington, DC, last month.
Heading the third division as marshal was Robert P. Paine, and music was provided by award-winning Nashua Spartans Drum and Bugle Corps, under the direction of Albert LaFlamme.
Stanley Lastowka, as marshal, headed the fourth division. It featured the popular James E. Coffey Post, American Legion Band.
Marshal of the fifth division was Walter R. McCarroll, and it featured another award-winner, the Elks Trojans Drum and Bugle Corps.
The sixth division featured several organization, the Moose, Knights of Columbus, vehicles, with music by the Suburbanettes Drum and Bugle Corps.
Royal Miller as president of the day, introduced the program at City Hall, It featured selections by the 18th Army Band, Nashua High Band, American Legion Band; prayers by Rev. Edward Hughes; sounding of Taps and echo Taps; firing squads.
The parade committee chairman was Romeo A. Marquis and secretary-treasurer was Mrs. Jeanne Schofield.
Memorial services were held at Woodlawn Cemetery, Edgewood Cemetery, Soldiers' Monument, Main Street Bridge and Deschenes Oval.
All day long, many persons visited the graves of their loved ones.
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