Lanesborough Honors Fallen Soldiers At 2016 Memorial Day Ceremony
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The parade proceeded from the Olde Forge, down Route 7, to the town cemetery with dozens of residents gathered throughout the route to watch. More photos can be found here.
But when they got there, they ran into an crowded bar after word of the planned arrest spread throughout the small town. The townspeople forced them out. Two years later, town meeting approved purchasing ammunition to defend the town.
And when the war broke out seven years after that a thousand of the town's 1,600 people enlisted in the Revolution.
Hundreds of residents showed that same type of unity on Sunday when the town gathered to honor all of those veterans who went on to serve in all of the wars since - especially those who died.
The town's annual Memorial Day parade kicked off at the Olde Forge and proceeded down to the town cemetery for a ceremony honoring those fallen soldiers.
"We are here to honor the departed veterans of this town's long history," said American Legion Post Cmdr. Marlene Clemons, adding that each year flags are placed on the gravestones of local veterans. "When we think of the veterans of Lanesborough, let's not forget its earliest settlers."
Keynote Speaker Robert Barton is the co-published of a book on Lanesborough history, published last year in honor of the town's 250th anniversary since incorporation. Barton told the story of what is termed the "Lanesborough affair" in which the residents chased out the king's sheriff. And ultimately one of the men the deputies were looking for went on to serve a role in the issuance of the Declaration of Independent.
"Now regarding Lanesborough's history, citizens of this fair town have always been ready to work for public safety in the military, fire department, police and other services. These folks are worthy of respect and remembrance on this and every day," Barton said.
Barton said throughout all of the wars and conflicts the country has engaged in, more two dozen Lanesborough residents paid the ultimate sacrifice. Barton called for a moment of silence in their honor.
Harley Phelps Jr. was on of the lucky ones. After serving in World War II, he was able to return where home and help build Phelps Echo Farm, which was originally purchased by his father in 1920. The farm is now one of the last dairy farms in operation in the area. He married Elizabeth "Betty" Ann Baker in 1948 and raised five children.
"Though he lost Betty in 2013, Harley continue as a persistent volunteer on town committees and a guiding influence for the whole Phelps clan," Barton said.
Phelps co-published the book on Lanesborough history with Barton and was honored as the Grand Marshall for the parade. The 90-year-old offered on a brief statement saying he "it is so nice to see so many people in such a small town" that still remembers and honors the veterans.
The ceremony also featured prayer and benediction from Rev. Russell Moody; Taps performed by Lyndon Moors; the Dalton Rifle Team giving a rifle salute; wreath laying by Josie DeChaine; the National Anthem being played by the Mount Greylock High School Band; a song from the Lanesborough Elementary School Chorus; and a brief thank you from Lanesborough Selectman Henry Sayers.
The ceremony was threatened by storm clouds rolling over the cemetery and booms of thunder but, luckily, the rain held off until moments after Moody gave the benediction.
The parade procession included a police escort; Phelps being driven in a 1975 Chevrolet Laguna S-3 by PJ Pannesco; the wreath with DeChaine; the Lanesborough American Legion and VFW Color Guard; Selectmen Sayers and John Goerlach; Clemons; the rifle team; Vietnam Veterans of America; Lanesborough Council on Aging; Boy Scouts of America; Lanesborough Youth Sports Teams and Greylock Softball(riding on the fire trucks); Lanesborough Agricultural Council; Shriners; Mount Greylock High School Band; the Berkshire County Sheriff's Department Mounted Unit; Lanesborough Volunteer Fire Department; and the Lanesborough Police Department.
