On Monday, May 25, 2015 at 9:00 a.m. the Town of Rye will conduct a Memorial Day Ceremony at Central Cemetery.  The Ceremony will begin with a parade from the Veterans Monument lead by a 26 year old morgan gelding “Willie” and end on the green at Central Cemetery.  Participating in the parade will be the New Hampshire Police Association Pipes and Drums, the Rye Police and Fire Departments, Veterans, Girl and Boy Scouts, and vintage fire trucks.

The Guest Speaker is Veteran Michael A. Coutu.  The music and sound will be provided by Kevin Schladenhauffen, Karrie Burnett, the New Hampshire Police Association Pipes and Drums with assistance from Seacoast Power Equipment.  Matthew Harrison will perform taps with echo.  Songs will be sung by Riley Emery and Karrie Burnett.  The Pledge of Allegiance will be led by Bill Epperson and a wreath donated by the Rye Lions will be placed in memory of our Veterans.

Awards will be presented by Priscilla Jenness, Selectman and Bill Epperson to participants of the Rye Recreation Memorial Day Poster and Writing Contest from the Rye Elementary and Rye Junior High.  Recipients of the Poster Contest Awards are: Grade K, Brooklyn Barnhorst; Grade 1, Boston Brindamour; Grade 2, Rena Eberhardt and Owen Coffey; and Grade 3, Cleo Conway and James DeDeus.  Recipients of the Writing Contest Awards are: Grade 4, Josie Sedam; Grade 5, Yuki Ichihara; Grade 6, Kimberly Brandon; Grade 7, Kate Weathersby; and Grade 8, Jacob Allen.  Posters will be available for viewing and the poems and essays will be read.  Rye Clergy will give the invocation and the benediction.  Immediately after the ceremony, refreshments will be provided by the Rye Heritage Commission.

The Town of Rye has lost soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines and merchant seamen in armed conflicts, including 38 lost in the American Revolution.  The Town also remembers on this occasion those firemen and police officers who were lost in the line of duty.  In view of the ongoing War on Terrorism, all residents are encouraged to attend the Memorial Day Ceremony.

All veterans are invited to march in the parade. You do not have to be a member of a veteran organization to participate.  Those with physical limitations may sit among fellow veterans during the ceremony.

For more information, contact Lee Arthur, Recreation Director, at 964-6281.