City of Fall River holds Memorial Day ceremony, reads state proclamation and lays wreath

The City of Fall River held a Memorial Day ceremony on May 26, 2025, that included remarks from Mayor Paul Coogan, the reading of a proclamation from Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey, the laying of a wreath by Councilman Ricky Tiff and Councilwoman Linda Pereira, a moment of silence, taps and the retirement of colors by the Fall River Police Department.

Mayor Paul Coogan opened his remarks by describing the parade as the close of a three-day Memorial Day observance and urging attendees to remember those who died in U.S. wars. "Obviously, this year, the parade is the wrap up of, 3 day Memorial Day celebration to honor those that did give the ultimate sacrifice for our country," Coogan said.

The ceremony included musical performances by the Cori sisters and a benediction and invocation offered by Father Rob and the Rev. Andy Stinson, respectively. Navy Chief Al Givens served as the 2025 memorial grand marshal and was recognized during the program.

A representative of the Office of Veteran Services, speaking on behalf of the city and the office, thanked attendees and framed Memorial Day as a time of reflection. "Memorial Day is not just a date on the calendar. It's not just a time for cookouts. It is a national moment of truth, a day of reflection and reverence," the representative said.

As part of the program, the text of a Commonwealth of Massachusetts proclamation was read that designates May 26, 2025, as Memorial Day and memorializes the tradition of Decoration Day and the later renaming to Memorial Day. The proclamation noted that "throughout our country's history, thousands of Massachusetts residents have fought in the wars and conflicts to defend our safety and way of life." The proclamation identified May 26, 2025, by date and urged Massachusetts residents to observe the day.

Ceremonial actions during the event included the laying of a wreath by Councilman Ricky Tiff and Councilwoman Linda Pereira, a moment of silence to honor the fallen, the playing of taps, and the retirement of colors by the Fall River Police Department. Organizers noted that more than 1,300,000 American service members have died in wartime since the nation's founding; that figure was stated during the ceremony and cited as part of the program's context.

The program closed with thanks from event organizers and an appeal to the public to remember both those who died and those still serving overseas. No policy decisions, votes or formal municipal actions were taken during the ceremony.