Fall River honors Italian American veterans during Memorial Day ceremony

Under the soft glow of the Fall River City Hall lights, a solemn gathering took place on May 26, 2025, as community members came together to honor the sacrifices of Italian American soldiers at the annual Italian American Memorial Ceremony. The event, led by Talos Ferris, the city's director of veteran services, was a heartfelt tribute to those who served and sacrificed their lives for freedom.

Ferris opened the ceremony with a poignant reminder of the courage and honor displayed by Italian Americans in the military. He emphasized the importance of remembering these heroes, many of whom made the ultimate sacrifice. The ceremony featured notable speakers, including Mayor Paul Coogan, who expressed gratitude for the bravery of Italian soldiers who fought alongside the United States in various conflicts. "As long as I'm mayor, I will be here to make sure we honor these people of Italian descent who fought so bravely," Coogan stated, reinforcing the city's commitment to remembrance.

The ceremony included a prayer led by Reverend Andy Stinson, who invoked the spirit of those who served, urging attendees to carry their legacy forward. "Let us live in such a way that we know from whom such great stock of humanity we come," he prayed, highlighting the duty to honor the sacrifices made by previous generations.

As the ceremony progressed, a wreath-laying tribute was conducted, accompanied by the solemn notes of "Taps," a moment that brought a reflective silence over the crowd. The event concluded with a call to action, reminding attendees that the freedoms enjoyed today were secured through the sacrifices of others.

In a forward-looking gesture, Ferris proposed the establishment of an annual youth award for exceptional leadership within the NJROTC program at BMC Durfee High School, honoring the legacy of Joseph Marshall, a respected figure in the community. This initiative aims to inspire the next generation to uphold the values of duty and service.

As the ceremony drew to a close, the collective sentiment was clear: the community of Fall River stands united in gratitude and remembrance, committed to ensuring that the sacrifices of Italian American soldiers are never forgotten.