Danvers Celebrates U.S. Heroes At Memorial Day Service [PHOTOS]

Despite rain in the weather forecast, the sun beat down on as the Danvers community celebrated the country's veteran heroes, past and present, on Monday, May 28. 

Led by Master of Ceremonies Adjutant Bruce P. Eaton, the service directly followed , which began and ended at Town Hall, and circled through Danvers Square. 

Chairman of the Board Bill Clark welcomed residents, and spoke of the 50-year anniversary of the Vietnam War, which is soon approaching. 

"These guys deserve our respect," Clark said. "They didn't get it in the 60s and 70s, and they deserve it now." 

Clark carried three flags, representative of the three Danvers residents who made the ultimate sacrifice in Vietnam. 

Described by Clark as "the epitome of a gentleman," honored guest, Korean war veteran Bert Russell led the Memorial Day parade as Grand Marshall. 

Russell read a poem titled "I am the American Flag," and urged the young kids to "listen up." 

Russell spoke highly of the Danvers High School band, thanking them, noting , and saying "you're the greatest."

The student performances included renditions of the Star Spangled Banner and God Bless America, sung by the DHS Chamber Singers, as well as the Navy Hymn (Eternal Father, Strong to Save) and the Battle Hymn of the Republic, performed by the DHS Band. 

The program concluded with a Benediction from Reverend John Mulvihill of the . Mulvihill asked residents, in the midst of ball games and barbecues, to recall the noble sacrifices of veterans, and be grateful for the country we live in.