On Memorial Day, that was something town Supervisor Clay Arsenault emphasized. Asked to speak by Long Lake American Legion Post 650, Arsenault said the way the holiday is celebrated here not only speaks to — but is — the community’s fabric.

“We gather not just as American citizens, but as members of a close-knit community,” he said. “One that remembers, honors and never forgets. Memorial Day is personal in small towns. These names, etched in stone, these flags placed with care — they belong to the sons and daughters of our town. People we knew. People our grandparents grew up with.”

In Long Lake, Arsenault said a part of honoring the fallen comes with being a caring, contributing and dedicated member of the community.

“We carry their legacies, not just in ceremonies like this one, but in how we live each day — in the way we help our neighbor, teach our children and look out for one another,” he said. “Let us promise this: that in this small town, their memory will always have a home in our hearts.”

Memorial Day Guest Speaker U.S. Navy Captain (retired) Richard Lamporte speaks at the Long Lake Cemetery during the community’s Memorial Day ceremonies there. (Enterprise photo — Chris Gaige)

Arsenault spoke at the Long Lake Cemetery, one of the stops along the town’s annual Memorial Day Parade. As the parade made its way through town, it was graced by something that American Legion Post #650 Commander Rodney “Rod” Begin said was long overdue: 56 banners recognizing Long Lake veterans. It was an effort Begin devoted copious amounts of time to make a reality — and he’s not done yet.

“I’ve been asked if we would continue to accept applications, and my response has been, ‘Hell yes!'” he said. “I will be satisfied once every single pole in the town (of) Long Lake has a banner hanging from it.”

Begin thanked the veterans of American Legion Post #650, as well as Inlet-based American Legion Post #1402 Commander Keith “KC” Kelly, Arsenault, the Long Lake town Parks and Recreation and Highway departments, Long Lake town Clerk Amber Wamback and Ruth Howe for helping to make the banners possible.

“(Howe’s) tenacity and deep patriotism ensured that certain veterans were not forgotten,” he said.

Lastly, but certainly not least, Begin thanked the families and sponsors of each veteran’s banner.

Logan Hosely smiles between placing flags at veterans’ graves at the Long Lake Cemetery as part of the community’s Memorial Day ceremonies. (Enterprise photo — Chris Gaige)

“Having these banners shows how our Long Lake family feels about their service, their sacrifice and what true patriotism is all about,” he said. “I salute you all.”

Begin then spoke on Memorial Day’s history and significance. First celebrated on May 30, 1868, the holiday was originally called Decoration Day and was commemorated by decorating the graves of soldiers killed in the Civil War.

“The holiday’s name has changed over the years, but its ideals and intentions have not,” he said. “It’s a day all Americans should take a moment to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service of our country. Memorial Day is a day for both grief and celebration — reflecting on the tragic loss of life and recounting the courage of their service.”

In keeping with Memorial Day’s beginnings, dozens of children in attendance were given flags to decorate veterans’ graves throughout the cemetery before the ceremonies continued. Prior to that, Richard Lamporte, a retired Navy Captain and member of American Legion Post #650, addressed the crowd.

Lamporte, who has lived in Long Lake for 24 years, spoke to Memorial Day’s importance, his time in the Navy and the ways the community here has and continues to honor its veterans. He made the decision to join the American Legion five years ago “It was an opportunity for me to honor those people who sacrificed their lives,” he said. “It’s an honor for me to come and help serve in that regard. … On Memorial Day, we have to remember, ‘lest we forget.’ Those quotes, remember that. Lest we forget the many sacrifices the military made to keep our country free.”

Long Lake Town Supervisor Clay J. Arsenault speaks during the community’s Memorial Day ceremony at the Long Lake Cemetery. American Legion Post #650 Commander Rodney “Rod” Begin is seen behind Arsenault. (Enterprise photo — Chris Gaige)

Nico Polacek, of Long Lake, places American flags at veterans’ graves at the Long Lake Cemetery during the community’s Memorial Day ceremonies there. (Enterprise photo — Chris Gaige)

Madison Polacek, of Long Lake, walks between graves at the Long Lake Cemetery to place flags as part of the community’s Memorial Day ceremonies. (Enterprise photo — Chris Gaige)