Photos: Under sunny skies, a good crowd turns out for Memorial Day parade and ceremonies in Riverhead

Clear skies and plenty of sunshine provided a perfect day for Riverhead’s annual Memorial Day parade and ceremonies this morning, sponsored by the Riverhead Combined Veterans Committee.

A good crowd turned out across downtown Riverhead to honor and remember America’s military heroes.  Residents of all ages lined the parade route, waving small American flags and applauding the service men and women and veterans marching in the annual Memorial Day parade.

The parade stopped for solemn ceremonies at the World War I Memorial on the corner of West Main and Court streets, St. John’s Cemetery, Riverhead Cemetery and the  War Memorial on the corner of Pulaski Street and Osborn Avenue.  A ceremony followed at St. Isidore Cemetery.

At each ceremony, prayers were offered, wreaths were laid, volleys fired and “Taps” was played (Lauren Schmitt, of Riverhead, and Danny Jones, of Wading River, both members of the Riverhead High School marching band, on trumpet.) The high school marching band and the Riverhead Fire Department band marched in the parade, playing selections of patriotic music and drawing cheers from the crowds lining the downtown streets. Judi Hettrick of Riverhead performed “God Bless America” during the service at the World War I memorial. At the final service, Riverhead Supervisor Sean Walter gave brief remarks, followed by a reading of President Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address.

After the firing of a volley and the playing of “Taps” one final time, the high school band performed the Star Spangled Banner as Old Glory was raised to the top of its mast behind the brick war memorial dedicated to all of Riverhead’s fallen military members.

RiverheadLOCAL photos by Denise Civiletti