GREENWOOD – Despite a cool damp morning Monday, about 60 people stood silently on the town common in Locke Mills as the town held its annual Memorial Day ceremony in honor of all American military personnel.

In the words of Chaplain Rodney Hanscom of the Jackson-Silver American Legion Post 68, “We assemble here today to honor our fallen heroes and those who have gone for other reasons. It is because of them that we live free.”

Keynote speaker, Commander Dan Grover of Post 68, said, “When in our common interest we pause to remember those who have given their lives for their country we are in the presence of the dead. On this day they come back among us. We meet and rejoice for grief is not the end of it all. Our dead brothers still live among us.”

During the ceremony Vera Cross, who has served as poppy chairwoman for 40 years, praised the work of her Poppy Girls Andrea Driscol and Mary Beth Hooper.

“Thanks to them” this has been the best year ever.

“More people are wearing poppies today than ever before,” she said, “It’s good to know so many people are remembering our fallen heroes and those who are still living.”

The day’s ceremony started with a parade which gathered at the American Legion Post building on the Gore Road and marched to the common. The parade was led by Auxiliary President Martha Stowell and Poppy Girl Andrea Driscol. Behind them came the Color Guard and Firing Squad from the Post, the Mahoosuc Music Makers band, scouts and units from the Greenwood Fire Department. After the cerempny at the common the parade continued on the the Mt. Abram Cemetery where flowers were placed on the graves of veterans. The final stage of the march took the marchers back to the Post hall where refreshments were served and people had an opportunity to meet with family and friends.