11.10.2026 - Miller Square Memorial Ceremony

On November 10, 2026, the City of Fall River and the Department of Veterans' Services held a remembrance ceremony at Miller Green honoring Corporal David Miller, a Fall River native and World War II veteran of the United States Army Air Forces. Miller survived the Bataan Death March following the surrender of allied forces in the Philippines in April 1942, but died in captivity as a prisoner of war in July 1943 at the age of 26. The ceremony also observed the 251st birthday of the United States Marine Corps.

Director of Veterans' Services Talos Farris led the ceremony, which featured an opening prayer by Father Rob Nemcovich and remarks from Mayor Paul E. Coogan emphasizing the significance of recognizing local patriots and Veterans Day commemorations across the city. Community advocate Monica Souza spoke about Corporal Miller's youth in Fall River's South End and recognized longtime organizer Richard Urban for preserving Miller's memory over the years. Farris also highlighted Fall River native and U.S. Navy Petty Officer Third Class Will Cruz Rivera, who honored Miller by participating in the annual Bataan Memorial Death March at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico.

The ceremony concluded with the ceremonial laying of a memorial wreath by Monica Souza, a moment of silence for prisoners of war and service members who perished in captivity, the playing of Taps, and a benediction delivered by Reverend Andy Stinson.

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