The skies cleared just in time on Friday morning, becoming bright and sunny for the day’s special event. But the mood was appropriately serious and somber as the Park View Middle School community observed the Memorial Day holiday.

This year was the fourth year Park View hosted the whole-school ceremony, which included several guest speakers and the ceremonial laying of a memorial wreath at the base of the school’s flagpole. The ceremony has been taking place each year since 2011, when the flagpole was first dedicated.

Eighth-grader Emma Boucher served as emcee for the ceremony and introduced the national anthem, sung by soloist Abigail Culhane and accompanied by the Park View Concert Band. The Cranston High School East JROTC performed the ceremonial posting of the colors.

During his opening remarks, Principal Michael Crudale welcomed guests to the event and reminded everyone to remember all of the men and women who have fought for freedom.

“We give thanks to these men and women who work and perform in our military as we go about our days knowing that they are watching over our great nation,” he said. “Memorial Day is more than a day out of work, a day out of school, a day for a cookout or the day that the beaches open. On this Memorial Day, attend a parade or visit a memorial. Simply thank a soldier for everything they do.”

Mayor Allan Fung brought greetings from the city.

“We need to remember and give thanks for those who have fought for us, been injured for us, and those who have fallen for us. We owe them thanks. It is because of their sacrifice, their self-sacrifice and their time away from their families, whether here or abroad, that give us opportunities,” he said. “I have the opportunity to be mayor, you have the opportunity to study or pursue a career, and we all have the opportunity to better ourselves.”

Superintendent Dr. Judith Lundsten spoke from a unique perspective – as the daughter of two World War II veterans, a mother who was an army nurse and a father who was a first lieutenant.

“They met during the war and married afterwards. My father continued for 25 years as a full-time National Guard officer,” she said. “Memorial Day has a very strong meaning for me. You may have memories similar to mine, or you may know a veteran or someone in the service. These men and women make incredible sacrifices to protect our country and to serve us all.”

School Committee member Michael Traficante, a Korean War veteran, spoke to the audience about the disappointment he feels when citizens look down on the patriotic symbols and ceremonies of the United States.

“These casual attitudes are extremely frustrating and disappointing,” he said, noting that the patriotic attitude found at Park View Middle School made him proud. “The patriotic attitude that exists here at Park View Middle School shows reverence, respect, pride and gratitude as you honor the fallen heroes, veterans and active military 365 days a year.”

Cranston Public Schools COO Raymond Votto spoke next. He shared a story of being in his grandmother’s living room and seeing a photograph of her sons, each in a military uniform.

“There were two deployed in World War II in Europe and unfortunately, five or six years later, her 17-year-old son was deployed to the Korean War. Back then, there was no Instagram, no Internet, no emails and no Skype,” he said. “Every morning they didn’t know where their sons were or what had happened, or if they were OK. One morning, my grandparents were out in their garden, and across the street they saw a gold star in the window of their neighbor’s house. That meant that the family had lost a son. It was from that point in time that my grandmother felt that her children were always in danger.”

Chief Warrant Officer Joshua Hendrickson, who has served in Iraq, the Dominican Republic, Kuwait, and Jordan during his tours of duty, said he was overwhelmed by the ceremony at Park View.

“I have never seen a ceremony like this before, such an elaborate display,” he said. “This day, Memorial Day, struck a chord with me. In the years I’ve served, I’ve lost friends, fellow soldiers, most recently burying two of them. Today is a day to remember those men and women who have fought and died for our country. People who wear this uniform or a uniform like this, they don’t shut their doors or windows when there is danger. They put their gloves on, they put their hats on, they lean forward and fight for our country.”

Hendrickson said he has been in the military for 18 years, and hopes to be for 18 more.

“This is my life, this is my choice to do this, but today, this Memorial Day, take a moment to remember those who fought for our country,” he said.

The Park View Vocal Group performed an emotional rendition of “Come Home Soon,” by SheDaisy, and the ceremonial laying of the wreath took place along with the playing of taps by Luke Hogan and Brandon Venda.

Lt. Col. Sharon L. Harmon concluded the ceremony with her presentation. With 30 years of service to her name, she could relate to the missing of entire years of birthdays, holidays, soccer and basketball games during her tours of duty. She said in her 30 years, she had never seen such an elaborate Memorial Day ceremony.

“I salute all of you, each and every one of you. I am honored and proud to be here, I am almost speechless,” she said. “I am overwhelmed by the joy and beauty of today’s ceremony. Memorial Day holds a deeper meaning for you all, and I really respect that.”

Harmon spoke to the group about her love for her job in the military and the opportunities it has afforded her throughout her life.

“When I graduated high school, I wanted to join the military for the education, the challenge, the travel and the opportunity to meet more people,” she said. “I have met wonderful people, my plan has been fulfilled. I have traveled to 40 states, three countries and spent one year in Afghanistan. I thank the Lord every morning for this blessing.”