Swampscott’s Veterans Services Department is set to honor Memorial Day with multiple ceremonies throughout the weekend.
Memorial Day is a day of remembrance in the United States that is observed on the last Monday in May. It is a time to honor and mourn those who died while serving in the United States military. The holiday began after the Civil War, when communities would gather to decorate the graves of fallen soldiers.
This year, the veteran graves at Swampscott Cemetery were decorated on Thursday, May 15.
“I want to say thank you to the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts who came out this week in the rain to flag the graves over at the Swampscott Cemetery,” Mike Sweeney, the director for Lynn and Swampscott Veterans’ Services, said at Monday night’s Town Meeting. He then called for a round of applause for those who helped.
American flags will be placed along Monument Avenue to honor those who have served and sacrificed their lives. Volunteers are welcome to help set up the flags at 5 p.m. on Friday, May 23. The “field of flags” will be on display from Saturday, May 24 to Tuesday, May 27.
On Memorial Day, Monday, a ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. at the Swampscott Cemetery to honor those who have fallen. All community members are encouraged to attend.
“Please come down to the cemetery to honor the fallen. This year is the 50th anniversary of the end of Vietnam (War),” Sweeney said. “I want to say thank you to the community. Everyone’s been very supportive.”
In addition to the Vietnam War anniversary, 2025 is also the 80th anniversary of the conclusion of World War II.
Jeffrey Blonder, a Swampscott resident who is an Afghanistan War veteran, wrote to the Swampscott Tides that the day “evokes images of flags waving proudly, solemn ceremonies and moments of quiet reflection.”
“It’s a day etched into our nation’s conscience, a designated time to remember and honor the men and women from all generations who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation,” Blonder wrote. “This year, the weight of history feels particularly profound, marked by the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War era and the 80th anniversary of the conclusion of World War II. These milestones offer a powerful lens through which to view the enduring meaning of this day.”
Blonder explained that for many Americans the Vietnam War still “remains a complex and often painful chapter in our history.”
“Let their stories serve as a constant reminder of the preciousness of peace and the enduring value of freedom,” Blonder wrote. “Their sacrifice must not be just a memory; it must be a guiding principle, inspiring us to cherish peace, uphold justice and never forget the true meaning of Memorial Day.”
