Visitors reflect upon the 700 American flags lovingly placed upon veterans' graves at Riverside Cemetery in Milford in advance of Memorial Day. Courtesy photo by WENDY MACE

MILFORD – Riverside Cemetery on Nashua Street in Milford is the refuge for the mortal remains of 700 veterans of most branches of the military whose loved ones and friends gathered on Sunday, May 17, to adorn the graves with American flags in advance of Memorial Day, Monday, May 25.

“Every year, people show their deep sense of gratitude for our veterans and for the Milford community,” said Jay Duffy, event coordinator. “It’s really full circle for me, as we are placing flags for some of the World War II heroes who taught me in my youth the importance of having respect for our veterans.”

Volunteers in the sixth annual grass-roots event arrived early to adorn the graves for the pending Memorial Day holiday, federally observed on the last Sunday in May.

Milford High School Spartans, athletes from baseball and lacrosse teams, provided muscle power. Representatives of local veterans’ groups, in addition to town officials, pitched in to perform the flag installations.

Officers from Milford Historical Society assisted in completing a full bloom of red, white, and blue at every gravestone. An invocation from a local minister added solemnity.

An entourage of patriotic athletes from Milford High School pays respects. Courtesy photo by WENDY MACE

Recognized by Duffy are Milford taxpayers whose funding of the flags is supported by a warrant article.

Milford VFW Post 4368 is credited for purchasing the event’s supply of sturdy flag holders and for providing donuts and hot coffee.

Dozens of red fabric poppies, symbolizing since World War I the blood shed by those who have fought, elicited donations for Wilton American Legion Post 10, whose members were joined by a unit from Milford American Legion Post 23.

The 250th Anniversary of the Founding of the United States of America in 1776 was heralded with a bell ringing and the reading of the names of Milford veterans who fought in the Revolutionary War.

The soft clang of a brass bell loaned by the Milford Fire Department, gently struck by a student, rippled through the crowd with the utterance of each name.

Veterans of the Revolutionary War are honored with flags designed by Betsy Ross. Courtesy photo by WENDY MACE

“Listeners ranged in age from 96-years old to 5-years old,” Duffy noted.

Commended upon the conclusion of the day was the Milford Department of Public Works for maintaining the site, open to the public throughout the year.

More information on the site is available online at milfordnh.gov.

Those who served and their families are guests of honor at Flag Placement Day. Courtesy photo by WENDY MACE

An honor guard from VFW Post 4368 provides a salute upon the ceremony's opening. Courtesy photo by WENDY MACE