Tri-City Mayors band together for virtual Memorial Day ceremony

posted on: 5/23/2020

With Memorial Day approaching and traditional ceremonies and services canceled because of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, the mayors of Dover, Rochester and Somersworth will hold a virtual ceremony to honor the military personnel lost while serving in the United States Armed Forces.

The ceremony was recorded this week at Dover Veterans Park and will air on the government access channels in all three communities beginning this weekend and on Monday, Memorial Day. The virtual ceremony is available online here.

In attendance at the ceremony were Dover Mayor Robert Carrier, Somersworth Mayor Dana Hilliard and Rochester Mayor Caroline McCarley, as well as representatives from area veteran organizations. The Rev. Andrew Nelson of St. Ignatius and St. Mary parishes in Somersworth provides the ceremony's invocation and benediction.

"We're all aware that we are in a world crisis with the COVID-19 virus and working through this as best we can," said Dover Mayor Robert Carrier. "Memorial Day is a day we honor the men and women who died in the U.S. military. We must never forget what they have sacrificed for this country."

"Our tri-cities believe it is important to show a united front during this incredibly difficult time," said Rochester Mayor Caroline McCarley. "As difficult as it is, with many of us told to stay home, it's important we still recognize those who have given so much to our country, even if we can't do so in person. Memorial Day is about commemorating those men and women who died in service to this country and didn't get to come back home."

"This year, as a nation, as united tri-city area citizens, we must stand from a distance to remember the men and women who surrendered their last breath so that we may continue to breathe the sweet air of liberty," said Somersworth Mayor Dana Hilliard. "Our remembrance on Memorial Day will not be dissipated by a virus which halts us from gathering."

In addition to the ceremony, a number of churches and organizations in all three communities will be ringing bells for two minutes at 10 a.m. on Memorial Day, Monday, May 25, to honor the men and women who have died in service to the country.

In Dover, participating churches include First Parish Church, St. Mary Parish of the Assumption, the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, St. John’s United Methodist Church, and Dover Baptist Church. The bell in the clock tower at City Hall will also ring at 10 a.m.

In Rochester, participating churches include Saint Mary’s Roman Catholic Church; First United Methodist Church; Harvest of Praise Church of God; and First Church, Congregational United Church of Christ.

In Somersworth, St. Ignatius of Loyola and Saint Mary Parishes will participate.