New Bedford Honors Its Heroes on Memorial Day

The City of New Bedford honored its fallen heroes on Memorial Day with a virtual service and wreath-laying at the Soldiers and Sailors monument at Clasky Park.

Public commemorations were scaled back this year because of COVID-19. Memorial Day parades in New Bedford and surrounding towns had been canceled weeks ago because of the pandemic.

Among those speaking at Monday's ceremony were New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell and Veterans Agent Chris Gomes.

Mitchell said even with the pandemic limiting most public activities this year, New Bedford must continue to honor those who served and those who gave their life for this nation.

Gomes read the names of all New Bedford residents who served the in military and died in the past year. He said that would be part of New Bedford's Memorial Day commemorations going forward.

A wreath was then laid at the base of the monument, followed by a lone trumpet playing "Taps," honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of this country.

Earlier, city officials joined members of the city's fishing community for the annual Fishermen's Memorial Service, held this year at the Seamen's Bethel. Traditionally, the event has been held on the waterfront at Pier 3. The service is a memorial for those fishermen who were lost at sea while sailing out of New Bedford.

Both events were live-streamed on the city's Facebook page and aired on New Bedford Cable Access.