Mayor Paul Coogan joined veterans, family members and community leaders on Memorial Day 2025 at Griffin Park in Fall River to honor local service members who died in wartime.

The ceremony included a wreath placement, the national anthem by Miss Teen Fall River Sydney Saint Orange, a pledge led by Miss Fall River Delinda Mendy, an opening prayer, Taps played by Larry Barola, a white-dove release performed by Paula and Bill DeMaris, and remarks recalling the histories of local servicemembers.

Committee chairwoman Kristen Nolan, Faciano and Jack Nolan placed a wreath as part of the ceremony. Mayor Paul Coogan thanked attendees and urged continued remembrance: "Please keep Memorial Day in your hearts and in your minds for a lot longer than just this weekend," he said.

Mark Conrad, identified at the event as a retired commander in the U.S. Navy and representing the Corky Row Naval Association, gave a historical address that highlighted multiple anniversaries and personal stories. "This is a great year historically to memorialize our war dead," Conrad said, noting the 250th anniversary dating to the April 19, 1775, battle at Lexington Green and the 80th anniversaries of Victory in Europe and Victory over Japan days in World War II.

Conrad spoke about the park's namesake, Staff Sergeant James T. Griffin, saying Griffin enlisted in 1942, was the only son in his family, and that his crew flew only two missions before Griffin's plane was shot down in November 1943; Griffin is buried in Holland. The ceremony also specifically remembered Master Sergeant John Thomas Nolan, who died in a North Korean prisoner of war camp in 1951 and whose family members attended and were recognized near a bench bearing his name.

Representatives of the Vietnam Fall River Veterans Association provided a color guard; the Fall River Police and Fall River Fire Department were also present and acknowledged during the event. Performers included Sydney Saint Orange (national anthem) and Sam Manley (a rendition of "Danny Boy"); Larry Barola performed Taps.

Organizers asked those present to step forward so veterans in attendance could be recognized. The program included mentions of Gold Star families and invited families of the fallen to be remembered publicly. The event combined musical honors, ceremonial observances and historical remarks focused on local service members whose sacrifices are commemorated at Griffin Park.

No formal actions, votes or policy decisions were made at the gathering.