The sun shone bright in an almost cloudless sky Monday during the Bedford Memorial Day festivities. A slight breeze helped many of the red, white and blue flags wave gently, and gave the attendees a pleasant temperature in which to watch the parade and memorial services.

The parade began at 10:15 at City Hall, moving south on Center Street and then turning left onto Broadway Avenue, eventually stopping at Public Square. At the square, many dignitaries gathered in the gazebo as spectators watched the ceremonies that included a flag raising and performances by the Bedford High School Band and Choir. The master of ceremonies duties were performed by Sr./Chief Dennis Rongers, U.S. Navy. Ret. and WWII veteran William “Bill” Tench served as the parade marshall.

Following the ceremonies on Public Square, the parade reformed and proceeded to the Bedford Municipal Cemetery, where names of deceased veterans were read. The cemetery ceremony also included the Presentation of Wreaths, Flag Folding and Benediction.

  • Crowds line Broadway Avenue eagerly awaiting the parade.
  • Becky and Scott Bartl attend the Memorial Day Parade with their grandson, Carson.
  • Representatives of the VFW carry flags during the procession.
  • Military veterans are honored while walking the parade route.
  • A military vehicle precedes the Bedford High School Band down Broadway Avenue.
  • The Bedford High School Band performs as they march during the parade.
  • The Girl Scouts are shown marching during the parade.
  • The Bedford Middle School Band gets their chance to shine.
  • A reminder that the price of freedom is not free.
  • Local officers carry flags during the parade.
  • The Boys Scouts were represented during the parade.
  • WWII Veteran William “Bill” Tench was the parade marshall.
  • Sr./Chief Dennis Rongers, U.S. Navy, Ret. was the master of ceremonies.
  • Justin Mitchell Sr., Dejanee Mitchell, and children Justin Mitchell Jr. and Camille Mitchell attend the ceremonies on Public Square. Justin is an Army veteran who served in Iraq.
  • The Bedford High School Choir sings during the ceremony.
  • Guest speakers used the gazebo on Public Square to give their presentations.
  • The flag is lifted during the Flag Raising Ceremony.
  • Attendees watch the Flag Raising Ceremony.