Letter to the Editor: Thanks to many people for a special Fall River Memorial Day ceremony

At the Memorial Day ceremony at the Corporal David Miller monument located in the South End of Fall River, a tribute to our military service people was conducted. From the presentation of the city’s mayor, the South End Rep. Alan Silvia, and other fine officials, the remarks were very appropriate for this special day.

Corporal Miller lived across from the monument on South Main Street from where he became part of America’s armed forces. He was assigned to the Philippines, where he was captured by the Japanese. Made to endure the infamous Bataan Death March on which over 6,000 American and Filipino soldiers were systematically murdered, he arrived many days later at a Japanese prisoner of war camp. There, like many others, he died under horrid, inhumane conditions. His body was never returned to his hometown of Fall River.

However, years later, under Honorable Mayor Daniel Bogan, the present site was rededicated to not only Corporal Miller but also to all who served during World War II, especially those from the South End of Fall River. It has been passed down that a priest from St. Patrick’s Church blessed the site to make it consecrated holy ground as the symbolic resting place for Corporal Miller and others who never returned.

Thank you all who participated in the ceremony: Mayor Jasiel Corriea, representatives Alan Silvia and Carole Fiola, School Committee members Joseph Martins and Paul Coogan, city councilors Steve Long and Derek Viveiros, city Flag and Graves Officer Victor Farias, David Lavoie of the Department of Community Maintenance, Chaplain Roger Gagnon of American Legion Post 314 of Fall River, Veterans Agent Ray Hague, Gold Star brother Bob Travares, Ed Baily of the Fleet Reserve, and also to Manny Travares and Commander Bob Viner, of the War Veterans Council of Fall River. To Tony Rocha who beautifully sang "God Bless America," Bill Desmares who released the peace doves, and especially to the Miller family that yearly lays a wreath. Also thank you to Dolores Mello who played hostess at the coffee and pastry table that was provided by the Friends of Cook Pond.

Further appreciation goes to JoAnne Breault who filmed and will air the ceremony on local Channel 95 with assistance from Barry French photographer. Along with a warm thank you to Joseph Riberio, who out of the goodness of his heart as a private citizen beautifully maintains the Miller Green all year round. Additionally to The Herald News that notifies the public each year of this ceremony.

Richard M. Urban

Fall River