SHIRLEY -- Memorial Day is a day set aside to "pay tribute to the brave men and women who gave their lives" for America's most cherished values and ideals, said Sgt. Maj. Paul Early.

Early, who serves with the Regional Training Site Maintenance Division in the U.S. Army Garrison Fort Devens, was the guest speaker at Memorial Day ceremonies sponsored by the Shirley American Legion and paid for with Legion fundraising. (The town could not afford its annual contribution this year.)

Everything went off without a hitch, from fine weather to healthy turnout.

Following tradition, the program began at 9:30 a.m. with services at the First Parish Church on the Common, followed by solemn ceremonies at Shirley Village and St. Anthony cemeteries.

Shortly after noon, a wreath was cast into Phoenix Pond from the bridge in honor of Navy veterans, followed by a ceremony at the Village cemetery in the center of town and a memorial service on the Common.

At 2:30 p.m., the parade proceeded up Front Street from the Legion, featuring the Immaculate Heart of Mary marching band from Still River. This is the 20th year the band has participated in Shirley's Memorial Day parade.

During observances at Whiteley Park, the band played a patriotic collage, culminating with Taps. The two student trumpet players were Matthew Dion of Pepperell and Michael Duffy of Shirley. Dion, a senior at Immaculate Heart of Mary, will attend The Citadel next year.

Memorial

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Day is a national holiday "rich in meaning," Early said.

The flag of the United States of America is flown at half-staff, wreaths are laid on the graves of the honored dead and speeches are made, "but is that enough?" he asked. "Mere words can't express our gratitude for their sacrifice."

The soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen who died in the nation's wars and conflicts "paid dearly" for freedom, he said, and their "personal dedication and commitment to the cause" is the heritage they left for all Americans.

Memorial Day began as Decoration Day in 1882 and is now a part of the "current of American life," he said, but many today don't fully understand its "theme of sacrifice" amid the "abundant blessings" most Americans enjoy. But it is a day to thank brave servicemen and women who died "securing the boundaries of liberty."

Soldiers "endure hardship together and draw confidence from each other" and a shared cause, he said. They are "making a difference" for the security of America and for those abroad who "seek to walk free."

"It is a noble calling" he is proud to share with heroes such as Staff Sgt. Travis Nixon of the 82nd Airborne, who was killed in Afghanistan.

"He put himself in the line of fire for his men," Early said. And Sgt. 1st Class Paul Ray Smith of the 3rd Infantry Division, who died April 4, 2003, in Baghdad and received the first Medal of Honor in the global war on terrorism.

In the spirit of Memorial Day, Early called for his listeners to do two things. First, visit the graves of the fallen and give thanks. Second, reach out and shake the hand of a living veteran.

"Tell them you honor their service," he said. "Simply say thank you!"