Sobering Memorial Day

Alice Doyle and her daughter Teresa help Robert Drew fasten a red flower to his uniform before the Memorial Day services in Chelsea Monday morning. This year's celebration paid specific honor to the women of Chelsea who have served in the U. S. military (Herald / Tim Calabro)

In the White River Valley

Memorial Day weekend couldn’t have been more perfect, weather-wise, in the White River Valey of Vermont.

The air was sweet with lilac and apple blossom, and the days were fair but cool.

Memorial Day services throughout the valley were therefore generally held outdoors. There, the beauty of the weather marked an ironic clash with the sadness of remembering sacrifices—past and present. Present most particularly.

Vermont has the highest number of casualties during the Iraq war, in relation to its population, and the war hung heavy in the war.

The May 31 Herald contains photos and short accounts of memorial celebrations throughout the little valley.