5.16.2025 - Civil War Monument Ceremony

I want to welcome everyone here to Oakrove Cemetery for our recognition of the Civil War uh and its meaning to the city of Fall River. Uh my name is Taylor Ferris. I'm the director of veteran services for the city of Fall River. And again, I'd like to welcome everyone, our state reps, the mayor, uh the Drum and FPS, the uh Bristol County Sheriff's, Fall River Police Department, as well as

the VVA 207 Honor Guard. Um, on behalf of the city of Fall River and Department of Veteran Services, I'd like to welcome you all to this solemn and meaningful occasion as we gather here at Oakrove Cemetery to honor remember the brave men who served during the American Civil War. Massachusetts has a long and proud legacy of answering the call to serve.

And during the Civil War, more than 150,000 base stators took up arms to preserve the Union and stand against the institution of slavery. Among them were sons of Fall River, whose names may be etched in stone here, but whose sacrifices live on in the freedom we enjoy today. This monument stands not just as a marker of time gone by, but as a reminder of the courage, conviction, and the cost of war, and our duty to

remember those who gave everything in the hopes of a better nation. Again, I I'd like to thank everyone for showing up here. We also have the fourth graders from Fansa Elementary here as you can all see. Thank you all for continuing to join us uh in in in doing this celebration in this way. Uh I would like to offer this moment to the Colonial Navy of Massachusetts F and Drum Corps for selection.

Thank you for that selection. Uh at this time I and I don't want to overlook anyone. I also want to recognize the Goldstar families here in the crowd as well. Thank you for showing and we appreciate your presence. At this time, City Councilman Ricky Tith will lead us in the pledge of allegiance.

I pledge allegiance to the flags to the United States of America. America for one nation stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Yep. Yep. Uh and at this time I would like to bring about the presentation of colors and we will also have the singing of the national anthem by our fourth graders from Fansa Elementary. Color guard post

Good to go. Okay, we'll welcome up, excuse me, we'll welcome up Emily Nor Rocki to sing our national anthem.

Okay, makes sense.

Oh, say by the dawn early.

What so proudly we held at the twilight last gleaming who broad stripes and bright stars through the or the ramparts we Silently streaming and the rockets red the bombs bursting in there gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.

Say does that star spangle yet away or the land of the free and the home of the brave.

Thank you.

Thank you. That was beautiful. Thank you, Emily, for that beautiful rendition. As always, uh at this time, I would like to invite Father Rob Nikovich to lead us in prayer.

This morning I thought I would start with a few words from President Abraham Lincoln and then for the opening prayer the invocation use a prayer he gave for the country. But I start with a few words from the Gettysburg address for scoring. Seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation conceived in liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.

Later on he says, "But in a larger sense, we cannot dedicate, we cannot consecrate, we cannot hollow this ground. The brave men living and dead who struggled here have consecrated it far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will note little nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here." It is for us the living rather to be dedicated here to the unfinished work

which they fought here for and thus so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task that is remaining before us. That from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion. that we were highly resolved that these dead shall not have died in vain and that this nation under God shall have a new birth of

freedom. Now let us pray and this is a prayer offered by President Abraham Lincoln in Washington DC on March 4th 1865.

Almighty God, who has given us this good land for our heritage, we humbly beseech you that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of your favor and glad to do your will. Bless our land with honorable ministry, sound learning, and pure manners.

Save us from violence, discord and confusion, from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way. Defend our liberties and fashion into one united people the multitude brought here out of many kindreds and tongues.

Endow with your spirit of wisdom those in whom your name we entrust the authority of government that there may be justice and peace at home and that through obedience to your law we may show forth your praise among the nations of the earth. In time of prosperity fill our hearts with thankfulness and in the day of trouble suffer not our trust in you to fail. All of which we ask through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Thank you, Father Rob, for that prayer.

At this time, I would like to welcome the fourth graders of Fansa Elementary to sing their selection.

God bless that I love and beside her and guide her through the night with the mountain to the to the bless.

Bless my home sweet home. God bless America. My home sweet home. God bless.

to the ocean. God bless my home. God bless America, my home.

Very well done you guys. Thank you so much for that rendition. At this time I would like to welcome the mayor of the city of Fall River, Paul Coogan.

I too, like Talos, want to thank everybody for coming out today, particularly the fourth graders at Fansa Elementary School and their staff for getting them ready for this. That was a great song, guys. You did a nice job. As we move into all of our Memorial Day celebrations, this one's kind of always been the kickoff. We honor our Civil War veterans and our deceased that did so

much for this country to make it what it is today. Um, we will have so many different events. try to keep an eye on the schedule. We'd love you because Fall River wants to always be first in paying homage to people that helped this country that gave everything they had the ultimate sacrifice to make this country a safer, better place to live today. And again, thanks for coming out. Thank you, Mayor Coogan.

At this time, I would now like to recognize State Representative Carol Fiola to give us a few words.

Thank you, Talis. Uh, great to see everyone here. Great to see the students and their staff. Great to see our fall police department here, uh, with a strong presence. Of course, our veterans and family members, gold star families, of course, um, and our community. It's great to be here once again. Uh when I I believe was city councelor Ray Mitchell started this event and um I don't know

how many years ago. What do you think?

10 12 years ago possibly. And um it's been a wonderful kickoff to our memorial uh celebrations as the mayor said.

Uh my intent was to read the Gettysburg address and don't be alarmed because it's only was two minutes long. Um, but I see that uh heard that Father Rob quoted a couple of sentences from there.

But I would encourage the students in particular of the fourth grade to uh go back and when you have time uh read the Gettysburg address that President Abraham Lincoln uh spoke uh after the the Battle of Gettysburg which think about this the 4year Civil War and that's why we're here today from 1871 to 18 1861 to 186 65. Behind us here are the graves, as mentioned, of the Fall River soldiers

who were killed in the Civil War. The Gettysburg battle was only one of many battles. There were about 10,000 battles in all from Vermont to New Mexico. Think about that. on our ground here. There were so many battles and over 620,000 soldiers.

620,000 soldiers lost their lives in the Civil War. That is the most deaths of any of our wars. And interestingly, it forever changed how we society thought of women, thought of uh equality, and the civil war ultimately was responsible for freeing three million slaves. So fast forward all these years from 1861 to 2025. Unfortunately, we still fight about some of the same things. Land,

geography, equality, freedom throughout this world. So I guess what I will say is um it was quite a battle that we should never forget. You should read the Gettysburg Address. I think it's uh quite impactful for two minutes. It's one of the famous speeches of our time of of our of our history. Uh but we never forget here in Fall River and uh I know our next generation is going to carry that torch. So, thank you

for being here today and honoring those who lost their lives in the Civil War.

Thank you.

Thank you, Representative Fiola.

At this time, I'd like to welcome up Massachusetts State Representative and United States Marine Corps veteran, Alan Silva. Thank you. Uh, and good morning everyone. It's It's so great to see so many people here, especially the students. Um, as Rep. Fiola just gave some history. It's so important that we remember our history. So many people have forgotten. Uh and Father Rob mentioned

hollowed ground. Uh this is actually where those soldiers from Fall River who died in the Civil War are buried right here. Uh these little monuments are not um just pieces of stone. They actually mock their graves. And uh like soldiers in all our wars, they didn't want to die. They didn't want to volunteer to die. They died for our values. The values that we cherish today.

Freedom. We see all of that those same issues as Rep. Fiola mentioned still playing out every day. But it's important that we never forget our values and the foundation of this country.

So as we continue to celebrate in the uh over the next week, I have always said on this spot I think for the last 14 years that four of us celebrates its veterans and and on Memorial Day those who gave the ultimate sacrifice more than anyone else in the Commonwealth.

And we do, a matter of fact, I don't know any community that that has a a ceremony just honoring Civil War veterans. And I hope that we always continue to do that. Um, and during that period of time over the next week as we uh think of our war dead encourage children and others to learn a little about our history.

you know, education is so important and if we um don't remember our history, um we sometimes will commit some of the same mistakes we've uh made in the past. So, thank you all all for being here. Thank you.

Oh, no. Don't do that.

Thank you, sir, for for your words. Uh, last but definitely not least, we have uh, State Representative Olette to offer us a couple of words as well. Very briefly, as your freshman legislator, uh, it's encouraging to see the turnout here today. I appreciate all the effort put into this project. It's very special day, and I'm proud to be part of the entire uh, delegation that's here to to celebrate with you. Thank you

very much.

All right. At this time, I would like to take the pleasure to invite up our guest speaker. Uh he is the director of the Joseph A. Marshall Veterans Center at Bristol Community College. He is also an Army veteran, Ranger specifically. Uh and he'll be offering us some words on the importance of the Civil War and the city of Fall River as well as the state of Massachusetts. At this time, I'd like

to welcome up Director Denny Cosmo. Ladies and gentlemen, uh, Representatives Viola, Silva, Mayor Coogan, Councilman Tith, and Director Ferris, thank you for gathering here today to honor the Union soldiers and sailors who fought in the Civil War to preserve our Union. They rest here, their duty done, and our responsibility is to reflect on their enduring legacy and continue to preserve the Union in their

names. Many Union veterans are interred right here at Oak Grove Cemetery. These men who sacrifice so much for the preservation of our nation deserve our deepest respect and gratitude.

As mentioned, Fall River has a rich history of military service going back even before the Revolutionary War. The British made an amphibious landing in 178 in 1778, essentially where the current parking lot of battleship Cove is today. Those early veterans had sons who had sons and they later later went off to war to keep that young nation born 80 years prior together, united in the Civil

War. That conflict between the states brings us here today.

The Union veterans buried at Oakrove Cemetery are testament to the courage and dedication of those who fought to preserve the Union at all costs. To keep our society whole, they fought to serve others and liberate generations of enslaved men, women and children. They marched to maintain and expand rights to their grandfa their grandfathers fought to enshrine in the US Constitution.

Oak Grove Cemetery is not only a resting place for these heroes, but also a historical landmark for our grandchildren to recall their shared lineage through time and that conflict that ties them to this city and this United Nation. Among the many veterans interred at Oakrove Cemetery are individuals whose valor and sacrifice continue to inspire us.

Hugh Hamilton, a Medal of Honor recipient just over this null, served as a Coxman on the Union Navy board uh USS Richmond during the Battle of Mobile Bay in 1864. Despite heavy fire and significant damage to his ship, Hamilton performed his duties exceptionally with skill and courage, contributing to the surrender of an entire enemy warship.

Hugh was born in New York, died in New York, but for some reason he rest here in Fall River with us. His bravery earned him the Medal of Honor, and his final resting place was chosen to be Oakrove Cemetery in our cities and our citizens heart. Less than a stones throw from Hugh is another simple man led to greatness in battle in Tur Oakrove Cemetery. James Hull House.

James served as a private with company B of the seventh Massachusetts Infantry Regiment. James earned his Medal of Honor for his action in Virginia in 1863 when he advanced beyond the regiment during a broken assault, helping to bring the colors to the summit and secure the position. Many of us in this crowds have served.

We all know the strength of being surrounded and supported by overwhelming allied force amid our brothers and sisters in arms. A few of us might even know that sinking feeling of what James might have felt on that hilltop of being utterly and completely alone ahead of friendly lines a single target on a hilltop.

James's courage and dedication is emblematic of the spirit of all Union soldiers and sailors who fought to preserve the nation that the nation that lay in neat rows before us. After today's ceremony, please walk these lines, say their names, research their military units.

Many of the seventh mass Massachusetts Infantry Regiment formed largely of the men in Bristol County. Companies A and B were mustered here in Fall River. They may have lived on your street or in some of the historic homes that still stand today. They participated in major campaigns in the Peninsula campaign, the Battle of Fredericksburg, and the Battle of Gettysburg.

On these headstones, you'll find First Sergeant Alexander Bryson of the 15th Massachusetts Infantry. My fourth great-grandfather, Corporal William Mullet, served in the 15th.

While I don't have direct knowledge or a story to tell, I like to think and imagine William and Alexander crossing paths in camp, splitting rations on the march, and Alexander sharing stories by a campfire being wounded at Gettysburg to calm Williams' nerves the night before battle. Alexander survived the war.

William, my blood, did not. Each of these soldiers and sailors played an integral role at some point and in some fashion in keeping America together for future generations. For you and for me and for us. There are stories to be told and with these names. I urge you to tell them. Stories like this help humanize the stones that mark their grave. They connect us to them. stories connect you to history, to the land, to

the city of Fall River. These men and their stories unite us as people. These men were not just soldiers and sailors. They laughed. They loved.

They cried. They made mistakes and had fears.

They were flawed, but also noble. They were as human as you and me.

In closing, let us remember the Union veterans interurred at Oakrove Cemetery and the countless others who fought bravely during the Civil War. Their sacrifice helped shape the nation we live in today. We can and will ensure their legacy lives on. You and I are here today doing just that. I thank you. They thank you. And collectively we thank them.

Fraternity, charity, loyalty. Long live Fall River. Long live the

union. All right, we do have EMS on the way at this time. Um, as we move further, and I know the weather has definitely caught up with us, we're going to be honoring the fallen at this time with the laying of the wreath. uh myself and um Victor Ferius, if you wouldn't mind joining me. Uh we're going to lay the wreath here at this monument and we'll move on with our ceremony. Right afterwards, we will have

a volley by the VVA207 chapter. That's the Vietnam Veterans of America.

to get back to your spot.

Okay.

BVA 207

At this time, we will have a moment of silence for those laid to rest here at Oakrove Cemetery supporting our country.

VVA 207 member and director of the V Veterans Association of Bristol County. Soon as he's done helping Mr.

Farious, we'll play taps for us at this time.

All right, they have retired that flag.

Um, considering the weather has definitely caught up with us, I'm going to invite Father Rob up for the benediction and then we will have the retirement of colors.

Let us pray.

Lord God, whose care and guidance brought our ancestors to this great land and led them through faith, courage, and self-sacrifice to build the foundations of a great democratic nation dedicated to liberty and human rights. May we be faithful stewards of that heritage entrusted to us reverently. On this day, we honor and remember those who fought and died in the Civil War for the rights

of all. We pay tribute out of respect to the memory of those who gave their lives in service of our country. We pray that the souls of these our heroic dead may have found perfect rest and receive the crown of an unfading life. We humbly acknowledge our debt to them and ask for the strength to go on towards the ideals for which they fought and died. As they gave themselves to advance the ideal of

world peace and justice and the equality of all, may they inspire our efforts towards this same end. Unite the people of our nation to defend the freedom, justice, and equality and fight for that peace for which they lived and died.

Lord God, bless those who have served in the armed forces of our nation and receive the souls of those heroic men and women who gave their lives in service of our country and for liberty and human rights throughout the world.

This we ask in your most holy name.

Amen.

Thank you, Victor.

At this time, we will have the retirement of the colors. Color guard post.

I'd like to thank you all for your attendance at the ceremony today. Um, I couldn't be more uh excited about the turnout and over the course of the next week and a half, if you check the city's website, the event calendar, you'll see a host of events celebrating Memorial Day and those connected to the city of Fall River and their service. Thank you again.