Haverhill Cancels Memorial Day Parade Due to Rain; Honors Still Takes Place

(Additional photographs below.)

Haverhill’s annual Memorial Day parade was canceled Monday due to rain, but its traditional after-ceremony continued on indoors.

The parade, which was scheduled to step off at 10:45 a.m. from the Haverhill Fire Museum and end at Linwood Cemetery, was called off by city officials and rerouted to the auditorium at Haverhill City Hall.

Haverhill Veterans Services Director Jeffrey C. Hollett led Memorial Day services as master of ceremonies. He introduced various speakers and groups throughout the duration of the ceremony. Welcoming remarks were given by Mayor Melinda E. Barrett, who encouraged audience members to find inspiration in the sacrifice of those who came before them.

“May the sacrifice of those who gave their lives for the United States of America inspire you all to live the lives that are what they fought for,” said Barrett.

Haverhill worked in conjunction with AmVets Post 147 of Haverhill to organize the ceremony, which consisted of speeches, music and prayer to honor all service members from the Haverhill area who lost their lives fighting in the United States Armed Forces.

The Star-Spangled Banner was performed by eighth grade student Adriana Davis before an opening prayer was given by Rev. Brian Case of Haverhill’s Church of the Nazarene. “Let the selfless sacrifice of those we honor today inspire us to live with honor, compassion and justice,” said Case, who is also U.S. Army Reserve veteran.

Among attendees were various decorated veterans of the U.S. armed forces, officers and sergeants from the Haverhill Police Department, Haverhill High School student band members and friends and family of fallen service members from the Haverhill area.

Band Director Dean Tsioropoulas led the Haverhill High School band as it performed two patriotic songs as part of the ceremony. Haverhill High School student Matt Baker presented and read the Gettysburg Address with Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School student Shealeigh Sullivan presenting and reading General Logan’s Address afterward.

Groveland Veteran’s Agent Michael G. Ingham, who former served as veterans services director in Haverhill, filled in for Haverhill High School Principal and retired U.S. Air Force Capt. Michael Downs. The salute was followed by a performance of “Taps” by AmVets Post 147 Honor Guard and bugler Neil Flewelling.

The ceremony concluded with a closing prayer given by Rev. Mark Rivera of Haverhill’s Riverside Church before Hollett took to the stage to express gratitude to audience members and their deceased family service members while also reminding the audience of the important significance of Memorial Day.

“We would not be the free America if it was not for those who went before us and made those sacrifices,” said Hollett. “God bless you and keep you and have a good day, and thank you, again.”