2025 Memorial Day Parade

Good afternoon. I'm Pimple Martin reporting for Fall River Government Television. We are proud and honored as always to bring you the annual Memorial Day parade. My thoughts on this day particularly, but here on actually as it should be go with our many gold star families. As we know, Fall River has a proud tradition of service and sadly many Gold Star families. By state law, every city and town here in

Massachusetts that's 351, must support a veteran service office. Now, the responsibilities differ. Smaller towns and cities, of course, have part-time, even volunteer employees. Others, such as Fall River, employ full-time staff. Our veteran service officer is Taylor Ferris. He served 15 years in a naval hospital corman during Operation Enduring Freedom and the Global War on Terror. Doc was on

the battlefield with Marines treating critically injured people, including the enemy. His fellow soldiers nicknamed him the honorary title of Doc for his medical expertise, his compassion, and his kindness. One year ago, as I said, he was appointed the veteran service officer.

You become like another member of that Marine Corps team, and you hope to gain the nickname of doc because at that point, you know, you've earned your Marines respect when they start to call you doc. Um, it's more than just medicine. You're, you know, the confidant, you're a preacher, you're a mental health professional, you're a counselor, uh, family and individual, right? Because when your Marines come to

you, they're coming to you with all of their problems. My transition out of active duty to civilian life was difficult. There's homelessness involved, a lot of moving around, trying to figure out where I fit in. I still kind of felt like I didn't belong in the regular public. I was still in that mindset of the desert is the place for me. That's where my normality was and that was no longer an option. So, I was

struggling struggling to connect with people. uh struggling to keep decent uh connections with family and that include my daughters and their mom. My purpose is here uh to not only advocate for veterans but do it evenly across the board for everyone no matter what group they belong to which is something that uh I think should be the cornerstone of what this office stands for to be honest

with you. Not just that but also intentionally meeting veterans where they are. If you're, you know, on the side of the road or just hanging out at the vet center, I always want you to think and know that you can talk to me or that I'm gonna talk to you.

He left the military back in 2013 and he returned to Atlanta, Georgia, the time to care for his cancerstricken dad, also a military veteran and a retired police officer. Doc says his grandfather also served in the Korean War. And looking back now as an older man, as a grown man, he realizes that many members of his family most likely suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder. But Doc was determined to break that

generational trauma. He utilized talk therapy that was available through the Wounded Warrior organization. And now his mission, it might sound simple, just pay it forward. If you or veteran or a family member that you love are experiencing difficulty, reach out. The suicide rate for service members is double that of the civilian population.

According to numbers compiled by the American Legion, the Veterans Crisis Hotline is 988 and then press one for immediate assistance. May, I might add, is mental health awareness month.

Veteran or not, please make note of that number on your screen. Trained facilitators can point you to crisis centers and hospitals. The American Legion 5 years ago organized an all volunteer buddy check. The American Legion members phone, text or visit service people.

4,250 American Legion posts across the United States estimate that last year their trained volunteers made direct contact with approximately 340,000 veterans. Thank you volunteers, service members, and people who man that 988 24hour hotline.

Front and center along our waterfront are countless memorials and they certainly beautify our city. I encourage you to get down there at sunrise or sunset. However, the Veterans Memorial Bsentennial Park is much more than just a pretty spot to picnic, walk, and chat with friends. It's a memorial area for military personnel that were killed in the Korean War, World War II, the Persian Gulf in Vietnam.

Though smaller in statue, our city's healing wall is profoundly impactful as a site for prayer, perhaps emotional healing and education. The reflective black aluminum panels were constructed in Texas, and it is common to find photographs, handwritten poetry, and flowers placed beneath. It's important for veterans to step up and not just on Memorial Day or Veterans Day, but even during the year to periodically come by

and and check on the monuments because this is our legacy. It's a it's these are the 58,000 heroes that we had in our war. Washing pollen, construction dust, and bird droppings from the wall is an annual shared task among veterans groups and volunteers. Although we remember them all year long because the monuments there during Memorial Day week, we come out here and we can honor them handson

by keeping their place clean. Names are chronologically arranged by date of casualty, then in alphabetical order.

Names continue to be added as remains of missing inaction are unearthed, DNA obtained, and finally identified. It honors all of these people whose names are on this wall to take the time out for the hour or two to get your hands dirty to wash it honors them. Paige La Liberty earned the rank of cadet lieutenant in Dery NJOTC. Her service to country begins shortly after June 6th, the date of

graduation. I feel like I've always been surrounded um by amazing people who serve. So, I feel like they've had a really great influence on me to join.

I'll be leaving for boot camp uh September 3rd on mom's birthday. Um and I'll be heading to Fort Leonardwood and um serving in the Army National Guard.

Cadet Lieutenant La Liberty's family may find comfort knowing generations prior will offer support. For Vietnam Veterans of America, our national motto is never again will one generation of veterans abandon another. And so when the World War II and the Korean veterans were no longer with us, it was our generation who stepped up. And when the desert storm and and the rest of the veterans

came, we were on the tarmac. We welcomed them home. We made sure that they knew their service matters. The wall measures 360 ft in length and is maintained in perpetuity by a trust fund. When your name is no longer said, you are forgotten. So I've always asked people coming to the wall, if they could touch a name on the wall and read it out loud, that veteran, it will always be remembered, whether they know them or

not.

According to the point in time count that's been compiled by the United States Housing and Urban Development, there are 36,000 homeless veterans. A very rough estimate that's in our country. If you can reach out, please do indeed help. I want to talk a little bit about the Charles W. Bragga Bridge. It was dedicated Easter week in 1966. Bragga was killed in Aahu at age 22. Of course, the attack on Pearl

Harbor December 7th, 1941, and that marked the start of the United States involvement in World War II. He was the first casualty of World War II from Fall River. He was assigned to the USS Pennsylvania and sadly went down with that ship. That ship was at dry deck at the dry dock at the time of the attack, heavily damaged and scrapped shortly thereafter. In 2019, our state lost the

last Pearl Harbor survivor. It was Staff Sergeant George Huri of Brockton. I had the good fortune to interview him before his passing, of course. And he told me that back when he signed up to serve in World War II, the average pay was about $20 a week. And those service members received their paychecks perhaps once a month. Thank you for all of your service. We can see here that the Fall

River Police motorcycle unit is getting started as it's heading on South Main Street and we will soon be followed by members of Gold Star family. 80 years ago, six Marines raised the American flag on Mount Surbachi and many think that that iconic photograph depicted the end of World War II. But no, in fact, the six Marines that appeared in that photograph and now appear on the monument in Arlington,

Virginia, three did not return home. You see, battle continued on that volcanic island in Japan of Ewima. But how did Full River acquire the statue? It's really an amazing story, and I do like to tell it. One that I began reporting on in 1999.

Attorney Brian Kuna bought a Newport mansion from the estate of Felix Dweldon, the sculpture. Now, inside Dweldon's studio were smaller plaster casts that the artist worked from while creating the massive statue for Arlington, Virginia. Attorney Kuna at the time had an office in Fall River. He donated the plaster model. It was in pieces for ease of work. Those pieces were repaired by art students at UMass

Dartmouth, eventually bronzed, and dedicated at our waterfront in 2005. The flag in the photo, of course, has 48 stars. The official name of the monument is the United States Marine Corps War Memorial. And the height of the figures in Arlington, it's about 32 feet. In 1961, President Kennedy had the foresight to sign a proclamation with the National Park Service stating that a flag would continuously be flown over

the monument and that although a 48 star flag was historically accurate, it would be certainly more appropriate to fly a flag of the time to honor Marines past, present, and future. I found that story so interesting, not only because it's a local person who w worked here, attorney Kuna, but upon buying this mansion that was owned by a world known sculptor, he found a way to give back. So again,

please make time to get down to our wonderful waterfront during this weekend. On a lighter note, the carousel has reopened and I have not yet had a chance to get down there, but they're serving ice cream. Rides are available.

There are treats and that's exciting for me. We can use that as an example to get our children to the waterfront and experience the history of USS Massachusetts, the official state 911 memorial that's on the lawn at USS Massachusetts and other monuments that are indeed available actually free of charge to get down to that park which is open dawn to dusk. There is a small fee that supports the USS Massachusetts. It

is free of charge, however, to veterans on certain days. Again, please always make note with these agencies and confirm the information that they're open and what the entry fee might be. I am hearing the Fall River motorcycle unit, and you can see it right there at the top of your screen. Congratulations to our new police chief, Kelly Fittado. She is a 30-year veteran with the force. She's

named the first female chief here in Fall River, appointed by the mayor and approved by the city council a couple of weeks ago. I will not talk over the proud men and women in blue. So, let's kick off the 2025 annual Memorial Day parade here in Fall River.

And did you know that Fall River actually has one of the oldest police departments in the United States, dating back to the mid 1800s when they were called cops, the constables on patrol.

Thank you to our proud men and women in blue getting the salute they deserve. And we can see that it's been a grand turnout today. I always like to see this, particularly on our Memorial Day and Veterans Day parades. It's important to remember our fallen heroes, but also to extend gratitude to those still serving, support for families, and introduce our young people to history here in Fall River and really

nationwide. It was always one of my favorite subjects. And uh we know the old saying that if we don't learn from it, sadly, we might repeat it.

continue to see along government center here. So many events this weekend. So I do indeed encourage you to check back for programming. If you participated in these events, would like to watch it back, you can see them on the Fall River Government Television Facebook as well as the YouTube page. This is William Bullard. He's a veteran representing the Celtic Honor

Guard. Okay. So, I'm told at the last minute, two additional bag pipers and drummers stepped in to represent Mr.

Bullard. My thanks. This is our parade marshall, Grand Marshall, Chief Petty Officer Allan Given, and he is being driven by Larry Barola. Mr. Given served on Navy patrol ships along the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. He maintained tankers, subs, and he enhanced communication. and his wife Bert is also in attendance. Thank you, Mrs. Given as well. We do try to remain fluid with our parade rundown here. It's kind of an

organized but has to be remain changing as different groups decide to participate at the last minute. It's important to note that towns from Somerset, Swansea, New Bedford, Dartmouth, all around us are also holding events. And a gold star mother right here.

Gold Star families are passing through our camera now, and we thank you for just being there. I don't think there are words that can comfort the loss other than to know that a community has done their best and named and to say that name of your lost son or daughter.

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guys everybody.

The veterans of foreign wars are also heading by. That's post 486 of Fall River under the commandership of James Gonzalez. They organized toy drives, a massive assembly of care packages sent overseas. That is one of their most well-known and publicized events and they were founded 105 years ago.

Chapter 9 is the Disabled American Veterans. They meet at 755 Pine Street. They were founded in the 1920s to serve World War I veterans and they are among the oldest chapters in the country.

The auxiliary stands by the quote, "We had a common experience which bound us together and we ought to continue for an organization of our own, an organization of us, by us, and for us.

This is the auxiliary chapter and followed by our own BMC Dery High School marching band under the direction of Julie Clinger. Let's take a listen.

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Okay, we missed the tin can sailors.

They took a little detour there. They served in the destroyer unit, named affectionately the tin can sailors because literally those destroyer ships were as thick as a tin can.

Miss Columbus heading by now under the direction of Mario Lucola and Frank D.

Mateo. Five years ago, they raised funding for a memorial along the waterfront Veterans Association of Bristol County offering friendship, food, just a beacon of hope for all who served on Pine Street. Ken Kvala, excuse me, Ken LC is the director. And in 2024, he was named our region's honorary and decorated veteran.

Stop by the Veterans Association of Bristol County. Ask for Kim. She will be sure to help you. The Vietnam Veterans of America has this bus that has been most helpful in getting vets and their families to doctor's appointments that are out of town.

Bobby Tavvaris there shaking hands with the Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 207. It's under Commander Justin Latini. This is the tomb of the unknown soldier that will be right after Victor Faras, our flag and grave officer. Truly an unsung hero. Thank you, Victor. He makes sure that all 10,000 graves of veterans in Fall River are again have their old flags replaced with new flags. This tomb

of the unknown soldier weighs over 2,000 lbs. It was created by a bunch of Marines just literally in the backyard in the garage putting together ideas.

It's won first place in many parades including the Bristol parade as well.

We're now listening to the Case High School band as we go

by. Somalia veterans operation going by.

You can see the NJC and the Fall River Young Marines heading by.

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The Fall River Young Marines Unit Commander Kim Broda and Anna Tavaris are responsible for drug prevention awareness for boys and girls ages 8 through 18. They meet on they meet on board USS Massachusetts. Thank you, Frank Andre, Sergeant Core. So many good young men and women involved in that mission. Teamwork, service to others, and self-discipline. The Navy NJOC from Dery celebrating its 30th year

and proudly commanded by Lieutenant Commander Derek Randall and Chief William Squires. It's the Naval Junior Reserve Officers 24.

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Marine veteran William Dearis spearheaded raising funds for this replica of the Vietnam wall that we have and it's coming into your screen now along with Joe Marshall and so many others. Let's take a listen.

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There's the replica wall. Linda Pereira, city council vets liaison zone was aboard.

Our elected officials, Mayor Paul Coogan, Councelor Ricky Tith, city councilors Joe Camarra, Andrew Reposo, Alan Sylvia, our state rep, councelor Brad Kilby. It's an election year. will be sure to be seeing more of our elected officials as I continue to advocate for state and federal funds for our city. In the center of your screen is Miss Fall River, Dio Linda Mendes, and Miss Teen Fall River, Sydney St.

I met these two young women yesterday at the Corky Row Remembrance Ceremony at Griffin Park and they're just, you know, it's so much more than just a beauty queen. Um, they were telling me about their platforms to increase understanding of female leadership.

as well as education opportunities.

Here's the Fall River trolley. You really have to take advantage of this uh what do I call it? A new addition to Fall River. They are running bird watching tours up in the reservation, taking kids to the carousel. I really want to see people utilize this. There's even like karaoke nights. It's a lot of fun. Restaurant and pub crawls all nice and safe. All right. Fall River proud EMS

and fire department is bringing up the rear. Fall River Fire Chief Jeff Bacon was appointed 18 months ago. Boy, the job has changed. They're responsible for hazmat spills as well now. And congratulations to Beth Fox, newly appointed the first female Fall River EM. Beth tells me she is the first female appointed to direct Fall River EMS services. She tells me they respond to over 25,000

calls a year, not only in Fall River, but support for neighboring communities.

This is a very wellorganized parade. I'm pleased that I received a rundown. I guess it was Thursday or Friday from our BSO officer and it's been pretty pretty much to to what they said. Uh there was Beth Fonce just went through the screen. Congratulations. The first director of the Fall River EMS responding to over 25,000 calls. The Fall River EMS department in one year.

That includes service to surrounding communities. We have our Department of Community Maintenance also going through your screen now with Charlie Denmid.

My goodness, what a job, right? All the hills in Fall River, keeping them plowed and sanded, making sure our trash and recycling is picked up. It's not an easy task. This is the Polish American Citizens Club under the direction of Father Rob.

and they held a memorial ceremony as well yesterday morning with some of the children from Holy Trinity. Uh we filmed that as well in its entirety and you can see that service as well as all the others again on our Facebook page, Fall River Government Television, our YouTube channel and channel 18. Okay, I'm back. Excuse me for that.

Getting a little windy up here, but we're fine. Um, I know there's more to come because I can still see the end of the parade, which is the Fall River Police Department with some of the blue lights flashing. Here's a little trivia for for you. People say, "Well, why is a fire police why are they at the front and back of the parade?" Right? Well, it's very important that despite some of

these side streets being closed off, our first responders, if indeed they do need to dash off to well, the allimportant emergency, they're able to quickly exit and access to other areas of the city. Very well attended parade. There will be no service in the atrium right after this. We're used to that. We can see the Cambodian American dance troop right in the middle of your screen there. That's under the direction

of Sophia Rosa Hunt and Vandy Chan. What an amazing group. You know, they're open to all. I want to make that clear. You know, Sophia was like, "We want everybody. You don't just have to be Cambodian." But Sophia has an amazing story about moving to Fall River as a young woman. It was our then principal at Dury who helped guide her and helped her learn the language. Now he's Mayor Paul

Couan. Wonderful job by Sophia and Vandy adding a little bit of a cultural touch to our very diverse city.

And the Girl Scouts were also there at the end of the parade. The Girl Scouts were founded oh 100red years ago in Savannah, Georgia by Juliet Gordon Laauo. She was a woman's advocate and an advocate for the disabled as she was deaf.

I'll tell you, when the weather cooperates, no one does it better than Fall River for these parades. beautiful memorial

decorate. And there's Doc Talis Taylor Ferris in our veteran service officer at the end of the parade. Thank you, Doc Ferris, for all that you've done to help make this parade go as smoothly as possible. very very I mean it just went by and it's beautiful. People are starting to exit, but the turnout today perhaps the weather had something to do with it. But I know that our patriotic

spirit is alive and well all year round, particularly on Memorial Day as we remember and honor our gold star families.

Of course, Memorial Day began as decoration day following the Civil War when women from the North and the South began decorating graves in order to honor all of the children who had been killed, their children from both sides.

And um and then it morphed, of course, into Memorial Day. And and the rest is is is history for our country. be uh be remiss of me not to say please find healing and peace for the rest of this afternoon and our thoughts are with you at Fall River Government Television as we wrap up our live broadcast. John Vanisen was killed in Iraq in 2004 alongside two fellow Marines during an enemy encounter. John

was just 21 years old and shortly after his mother Jane wrote a poem. Now she has read it. I want to say dozens of times, but I believe it's probably hundreds of times across the state and New England at ceremonies, including many, many years now here in Fall River.

We at Fall River Government Television feel that it is an appropriate ending for today's parade. Be well.

Remember me with smiles and laughter, for that's how I will remember you. If you only remember me with tears and sorrow, then don't remember me at all.

Our brave soldiers will be remembered for their love of life and the love for their country. God bless America, land of the free, and look around you. Home of all our brave. So tonight, when you go home and you wrap that blanket of freedom around you, remember all the brave men and women who have fought for us in the past. And remember all the brave men and women that are fighting

for us so that we can be here today.

and remember all the brave men and women who have fought and died so that we can sleep free. My name is Jane Vanisen and I'm a proud gold star mother. Thank you.