Gettysburg Address

Newburyport's Memorial Day Celebration will begin at 10:15 a.m. today in the CVS parking lot on Pond Street. Participants will then walk to City Hall with the award-winning members of the Lynn English Marine Corps Junior ROTC, as well as members of the local 182nd Engineering Co. (Sappers), at 10:45 a.m.

Invocation will be at 11 a.m., followed by a performance of the "Star Spangled Banner" by the Newburyport High School Marching Band, under the direction of Joe Nuccio. The vocalist is Newburyport's Barron Brissett Jr., a retired Air Force veteran and professional baritone. The Pledge of Allegiance will be led by Kelly Bennett and her two sons, Nick and Daniel. Then, introductions of elected officials and guest speakers will take place.

There will be a re-dedication of Brown's Square with a historical recitation by noted local historian, World War II veteran and orator, Arnold Lessard.

The procession will move to the waterfront, where fallen Coastguardsmen, Navy and Merchant Marines will be honored. The NHS Marching Band will play the Coast Guard Hymn, the Newburyport Police Honor Guard will render a rifle volley of three shots, and a wreath will be thrown from the Coast Guard Cutter.

The parade continues up State Street to the Veterans' Cemetery at 12:45 p.m. for a benediction. Nock Middle School students will recite the Gettysburg Address, the NHS marching band will play solemn music and Taps, and the Honor Guard rifle volley will take place.

A reception barbecue lunch will take place afterward at the Veterans' Stadium at NHS. Veterans and their families eat free.

Rain will move the ceremony inside to the City Hall Auditorium.