Memorial Day Parade in East Greenwich

by ABC6 News Reporter Mark Curtis 

mcurtis@abc6.com or @markcurtisABC6

It was a colorful and touching Memorial Day tribute through the streets of East Greenwich. It was also a history of those who’ve protected us – from the Kentish Guards and Varnum continents in the early days of Rhode Island – to modern military heroes, all paying tribute to friends who never came home.

“That’s the most important thing, to be here and remember all of our fallen comrades, the real heroes of this war… I remember friends that we lost off the carriers, people off of Korea and Vietnam, yes,” said Captain John Romano, U.S. Navy (Ret).

A wreath was laid at the East Greenwich World War II Memorial. where the names of local troops who died, are inscribed.

ABC6 News Reporter Mark Curtis said, “As in other communities, the East Greenwich commemoration also includes the decorating of graves at local cemeteries.”

There were also colorful tributes; and from local pageant queens; to marching bands; and to scout troops; even the youngest know the true meaning of the holiday.

“We’re marching for the fallen soldiers, because they fought for our country,” said Grace Batti, from Girl Scout Troop 285.

Many of the veterans here span generations. A group from the Korean War was deeply touched by the tributes.

“Very good. People really appreciate us. It’s isn’t the ‘Forgotten War’ like people think it is. You know the people are very generous out there,” said Pfc. John Meunier who served in the U.S. Army in Korea.

This parade is special, as East Greenwich was one of the founding locations of the U.S. Navy.