From the front page of the Nashua Telegraph, Friday, Nov. 11, 1977.
Americans should rededicate themselves to the values that reflect what America stands for and what our veterans fought for, Nashua Attorney Joseph G. Gall Sr. said during Veterans Day exercises at Deschenes Oval today. (Joseph Gall is a past commander of James E. Coffey Post 3, American Legion)
Gall's remarks were brief but pointed as, after paying tribute to those who died in combat and those who were fortunate to survive the rigors of war, he enumerated several "disquieting occurrences" in recent years.
"Those who fought for Okinawa have seen it given back to the Japanese," he said. "The Panama Canal that so many veterans used during the wars is being returned to another country. The president suggests we abolish all nuclear weapons, yet the U.S.S.R. is strongest in armaments. Is this our land?"
Noting the sacrifices made to preserve the interests of freedom, Gall urged a rededication to "what America stands for, what you fought for." He also urged that citizens speak out to their leaders about these values.
"I say to each and every one of you, especially the veterans," Gall concluded, "As an American, I am the nation -- conceived in freedom and, God willing, in freedom will I spend the rest of my days."
The speaker-of-the-day spoke from the World War II Monument in the Railroad Square park named after Amedee Deschenes, a young Nashua rifleman who died in France during World War I.
President-of-the-day Roland F. Brisson earlier recounted the origin of the holiday as a commemoration of the Armistice ending the fighting in World War I. . (Roland Brisson is a past commander of James E. Coffey Post 3, American Legion)
"That was a war supposedly fought to end all wars, "Brisson noted, "but history was to record otherwise."
He noted the occasion was changed to Veterans Day in 1954 to honor veterans of all wars.
Before introducing speaker Gall, a World War II veteran, Brisson paid tribute in particular to a number of prominent Nashua veterans who have died during the past year. Noted in particular were Romeo Marquis of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Victor Poulin of the American Legion, Mrs. Amanda Miller of the American Legion Auxiliary and James Clemons of the Disabled American Veterans. All four had played an active role in organizing the program and parade on today's agenda.
The James E. Coffey Post American Legion Band played the National Anthem and Sousa's "Stars and Stripes Forever" during the speaking program. The First New Hampshire Regiment fired several volleys, which was followed by the playing of "Taps." The Rev. Alfred Janetta of St. Patrick's Church offered the invocation and benediction.
Ernest Ledoux, commander of the American Legion, James E. Coffey Post 3, was parade chairman, with Roger Doty serving as parade marshal and Arthur L. Northrup as his chief of staff.
Music was provided by a number of organizations, including the Elm Street, Spring Street and Fairgrounds Junior High School bands, Gary Owen Drum and Bugle Corps, the Nashua High School Band and the Trojans Drum and Bugle Corps.
A sparse crowd braved the gusty winds of November to watch the 10-division parade march under sunny skies from Foster Square down Main Street. All units paused briefly in front of City Hall at 11 a.m., the time the World War I armistice went into effect, for a moment of silence broken only by the ringing of bells in the city's many churches.
The units then continued down the street, to disband at Simoneau Plaza.
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