Canton Crowds Come Out to Honor Veterans on Memorial Day

Crowds of Canton residents took time to honor the men and women of the military on this . Folks gathered to watch the , which featured the Canton High School marching band,  Canton Police and Fire Departments, the American Legion Post members and veterans from several wars, marching down Washington Street this morning. The diverse crowd, bearing flags and wearing red, white and blue, attended a ceremony a the War Veterans Memorial to honor the deceased of each war.

The family of Shayne M. Cabino of Canton, who was 19 when he died in the Iraq War in 2005, attended today's services.

His young cousins noted the significance of the day.

Eight-year-old Devin Mosetich of Walpole said he helped put flags on gravestones with his Cub Scout troop, "because they're veterans and people need to know they're veterans."

"I think it's a good idea to remember loved ones who've gone before us," his sister, Milla, 11, said as she stood near her cousin's memorial.

Fred Gladstone, the incoming commander of the in Canton, and a U.S. Navy veteran of the Vietnam era, attended the memorial today to honor those who "gave us the privilege" of being here.

His friend and fellow post member, John Jennison, who served in the Coast Guard during World War II, said today is all about "honoring the people that do so much for us."

During the ceremony, welcomed the crowd, which included the , , American Legion Post Commander Leo O'Donnell, Parade Grand Marshall Daniel Berardi (a World War II Army veteran) and students from the Galvin Middle School.

Veterans of several wars and branches filled the crowd, along with residents young and old, despite the muggy heat. Canton firefighters handed out cold, bottles of water to those in the crowd.

During the ceremony, a Fallen Heroes Roll Call was read, stating the name of each Canton solider who died during war, from the Civil War, World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War and the Iraq War. The Canton Police Department provided a booming gunfire salute, followed by a veteran playing Taps.

Rep. Galvin told the crowd to never forget why citizens have the freedom they enjoy on Memorial Day weekend and every day of the year. Today is a time to "pause to solemnly recognize (the military men and women) and their service," he said.

"There is little we can do to repay these men and women and their families," Galvin said.

High Schooler Dan Sheehy read the Gettysburg Address and a group of students from the read a collection of poems and short stories honoring veterans.

The crowd sang patriotic songs and ended the Memorial Day festivities with a lunch at the American Legion Post, provided by .

Be sure to watch the video slideshow of photos from today on Canton Patch.