WILTON – Those servicemen and women who have died for this country over the past generations proved “to be much more than just good enough,” retired Navy Lt. Cmdr. Jack Moro told the crowd gathered at the war memorials on Monday morning for Memorial Day ceremonies.

“Great leaders don’t do great things; they enable others to do great things,” he said.

Moro was the guest speaker. He told several stories of his training at the Naval Academy, including describing the swearing-in ceremony for new students.

That ceremony includes: I am an American. I will never surrender of my free will. I will defend the constitution against all enemies. But mostly, he said, it emphasizes “I am an American.”

Service people “never forget they are Americans, fighting for our freedom,” he said. “Look at these memorials and reflect on their sacrifices. I am thankful for the liberties this country offers us. We can never say thank you enough and express our gratitude.”

A resident of Wilton for five years, Moro retired from active duty in 1994.

The parade from the American Legion home to the memorials on Forest Street was led by the Temple Band and the American Legion Post 10 color guard and rifle squad. Other participants included the Legion Auxiliary, Sons of the Legion, Lafayette Artillery Company, and Boy and Girl Scout troops from Wilton and Lyndeborough.

The town’s oldest veterans, from World War II, rode in a restored 1940s-era Jeep. High school secretary Joyce Galletta, who’s retiring after 32 years, was also honored.

Legion Cmdr. Todd Mason Sr. was master of ceremonies. He spoke of the meaning of Memorial Day and the importance of observing the day and remembering those who have fallen.

Chaplain Randy Greeley led the prayers and read the list of residents currently serving.

Other speakers included Kaley Randlett with “In Flanders Fields,” Casey Degan with “America’s Answer” and Mitchell Salisbury with Lincoln’s “Gettysburg Address.”

Bill Goddard spoke for the Sons of the Legion, which was organized in 1932 for the descendants of veterans. The Legion Auxiliary, founded in 1919, includes the veterans’ wives, mothers and daughters.

Auxiliary members placed a wreath on the monument, followed by a rifle salute, taps and the national anthem by the Temple Band.

After the ceremonies, refreshments were served at the Post home.