5.23.2026 Gold Star Family Candlelight Vigil

The City of Fall River held its sixth annual Gold Star Families Candlelight Vigil at Veterans Memorial Bicentennial Park. The event, hosted by Sayles Ferris, the Director of Veterans Services, was a solemn ceremony dedicated to remembering fallen service members and honoring the sacrifices of their families. The vigil was not a celebration, but an act of remembrance, with each candle lit representing a life, a memory, and a family forever changed by war. The ceremony underscored the continuing cost of war, which extends beyond the battlefield and into the lives of the families left behind.

The program included several speakers and ceremonial acts. Following opening remarks by Mr. Ferris, Counselor Raposo led the Pledge of Allegiance. Father Rob Ninkovich delivered the invocation, praying for the fallen and their families. A moment of silence was observed, followed by a poem titled "Taps" read by Navy veteran Jeff Cernicki, who dedicated it to fallen service members he knew, including Gunner's Mate 2nd Class Miller, Sergeant Ronald Kubik, and Sergeant Jason Santora. The playing of Taps followed the poem. Reverend Andy Stinson, also a veteran, gave the benediction. The ceremony concluded with the playing of the song "American Soldier" and closing remarks from Sayles Ferris, who reiterated the city's promise to never forget its fallen heroes, especially as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary.

AI-generated summary. May contain errors. Watch the video to verify.