Croteau-Coutts-Ford Post 24 observed Memorial Day on Sunday, May 30, 2021. The ceremony usually takes place at the Pine Grove Cemetery but was moved to the Marlborough Community House because of heavy rainstorms.

The Reverend Robert Fellows from the Federated Church of Marlborough led the Post and community members in prayer followed by Post Commander Trent Boehmler, who gave a speech honoring the servicemen who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country. Below is the Prayer that was given by Rev. Fellows. 

MEMORIAL DAY PRAYER 2021

Today we especially honor Clarence Croteau, Charles Coutts, and Marshall Ford—representing those who served in World War 1, World War 2, and Vietnam. But there are many more. Please join me in prayer.

As we gather here, we are thankful for this day—for its blessings, its opportunities, and its challenges. On this Memorial Day, we remember the many brave men and women who have given their lives through the history of our country to defend us from danger and harm and to protect our founding principles of democracy and equal justice under law. As Abraham Lincoln said when he looked over the battlefield at Gettysburg, “we cannot consecrate this ground…the brave people, living and dead who struggled here have consecrated it far above our poor power to add or detract.”

Loving God, those whom we honor today are examples of your words: “Greater love than this no one has: that he lay down his life for his friends.” They gave up their lives in the defense of freedom for their loved ones and their country.

We also salute all those who currently serve in the military, the police and the fire departments. We remember all those who sustained injury in mind and/or body in the course of their service.

We pray this morning for those who serve, for those in need, and for ourselves. We pray for everyone who has lost a member of their family or a friend. We pray that you welcome their loved ones into Heaven, and that you give those who are left behind strength.

Teach me to appreciate the virtue of patriotism–a true love of country. Let me love my country, not to follow it blindly but to make it the land of goodness that it should be. Let my patriotism be such that it will not exclude the other nations of the world, but include them in a powerful love of country that has room for all others too. (Adapted from St. Joseph People’s Prayer Book)

Loving God, your spirit fills the whole world, from sea to ocean, from the desert to the mountains. On this day, we pray for a maintained peace throughout the world. Amen.

Rev. Robert Fellows

Federated Church of Marlborough