GOSHEN - Some came by foot.  Some came by car.  Some came on scooters and bicycles while others were pushed in their wheel chairs.

In a tradition that's as old as the hills, local residents set aside normal routines and paused for a moment to reflect on the sacrifices made by our nation's veterans.  At a time when the true meaning of Memorial Day is being increasingly forgotten, friends and neighbors gathered in the town parking lot Monday morning to participate in the Town's annual Memorial Day parade.

Led by a color guard from the Cummington American Legion Post and the Hampshire Regional High School Marching Band, the parade route wound it's way from the center of town up to the the town cemetery off Mollison Hill Road.

Veteran's graves, which were all marked with an American flag, were decorated with bouquet's of purple and white lilacs that were placed there by children that had gathered.

The New Hingham Regional Elementary School Chorus also participated in the ceremony by leading those assembled in the singing of several patriotic songs.

Resting at the top of the hill, the headstone for former Goshen firefighter Stephen Eldred is identified with a marker purchased by the Goshen Firefighter's Association. 

This marker is placed next to the headstone of all Goshen firefighters that are interred at the town cemetery as a way to recognize their past volunteer efforts.  

Former Marine and current Cummington Fire Chief Bernie Forgea (in his Marine uniform) and Goshen Selectboard member Larry Miller review the schedule of events before the ceremony.

Members of the color guard, from left to right are Conrad Liebenow in his Air Force uniform, Cummington Police Chief Dennis Forgea in his Navy uniform and Veteran's Agent to many local communities Joe Russo in his Army uniform.

Members of the Goshen Fire Department that participated in the ceremonies are (from l to r) EMT Annmarie Dresser, Deputy Chief Kim Dresser, Lieutenant Bob Labrie, Captain Tommy Thomas, Fire / Police Frank Burnett, Lieutenant Dustin Culver with Cameron Lewis (in red shirt), Fire / Police Norman Hathaway, Firefighter Phil Judd, Deputy Chief Rick Clark and Chief Sue Labrie.

Miss Adams-Smith (left, holding backpack) prepares to lead the Hampshire Regional High School Marching Band down the parade route.  Each year, the band participates at several of the towns which belong to the regional.

Goshen Fire Chief Sue Labrie and Captain Anthony "Tommy" Thomas take a moment to share stories of past ceremonies.

(Monday, May 26th, 2008)