Meaning of Patriotism Explored at Old Lyme Memorial Day Ceremony

OLD LYME, CT– Attendees at Monday’s annual Memorial Day ceremony were asked to consider how they show patriotism in their own lives, setting the tone for an event centered not only on gratitude for service, but also tangible examples of civic duty.

Central to this message was high schooler Henry Kyle’s reading of his winning essay from the local Memorial Day student essay contest.

The essay contest is co-sponsored by the Lyme-Old Lyme VFW Post 1467 and American Legion Post 41 as an opportunity for Lyme-Old Lyme High School students to reflect on military sacrifice, patriotism and the meaning of Memorial Day.

Typically, the winning essay is read at Duck River Cemetery at the end of the annual Memorial Day Parade. However, this year, the speech and the rest of the ceremony were held in the middle school auditorium on account of the weather.

“The citizens of the world rely on us to keep the peace,” said Kyle, speaking on what it means to be patriotic and why it matters.

He emphasized the role American sacrifice played in establishing the country and setting a global precedent for democracy.

In his own life, Kyle said he is “making the commitment to be willing to defend democracy” through choices such as working hard and taking advantage of his access to an education. He said that means being a well-rounded student who understands literature, history and the sciences.

“Patriotism is a love of country, and I am showing my patriotism now by developing the skills to defend my country,” he said.

Kyle’s speech was followed by the ringing of a bell in honor of Old Lyme veterans who died over the past year by Tim Griswold and Doug Wilkinson.

Oliver Wyman and Luca Signore, of Lyme-Old Lyme High School, played taps. The Lyme-Old Lyme High School Select Singers performed the national anthem, America the Beautiful, and Amazing Grace.

VFW Post 1467 Commander Richard Mason cited the local Boy Scouts’ tradition of visiting Duck River Cemetery on the morning of Memorial Day to place American flags at veteran gravesites. This year, the Boy Scouts arrived earlier than usual to try to beat the rain as they placed more than 500 flags while making sure not to miss any of the veterans’ graves. 

Mason reiterated that discipline, bravery, and sacrifice are central to democracy.

“Our freedom did not survive by accident,” he said.