STUART – This year’s Memorial Day commemoration in Stuart on May 25 was a decidedly more low key event than in year’s past.

Instead of a parade, Martin County and the local Veterans Council had more than a dozen local veterans groups marching along Southeast Ocean Boulevard to a solemn ceremony at Memorial Park in Stuart.

The change came about after local Gold Star families complained that the 20-plus year event – a parade with golf carts, marching bands and variety of organizations in red, white and blue – was too festive.

Gold Star families have lost a loved one in the line of duty.

Air Force veteran Anthony J. Variale, who walked with fellow members of Vietnam Veterans of Stuart, said he agreed with the group.

“I think they are right,” the Hobe Sound resident said. “It’s a Memorial Day, not really a celebration.”

As a result, turnout was lower than in years past, but attendees were no less appreciative, waving flags – many of which distributed by the Halpatiokee Chapter of the DAR.

Following the walk, which took about 15-20 minutes with the only music being a bagpipe rendition of the Marine Corps’ hymn, “Halls Of Montezuma,” the annual ceremony at Memorial Park took place, with retired Navy Lt. Richmond Glover as guest speaker.

“We are observing a sacred day for veterans and advocates,” Glover said, addressing more than 100 people. “It’s a day to remind all of the price of freedom. We observe the day with dignity and grace. Freedom is not free.”

Doug Hewett led a local choir in singing “The National Anthem,” and then turned to the crowd, inviting them to join in for a performance of “God Bless America.”

Representatives of a dozen military-related organizations came forward to read a “roll call” of chapter members who passed away in the last year. One of those was the nearby Road To Victory Military Museum, who lost two members instrumental in keeping the 20-year-old institution thriving — Karl Lehtola and Robert Shurts.

The ceremony then concluded with a rifle salute and performance of “Taps” by the Honor Guard of Hall-Bryan VFW Post #10132 of Jensen Beach, capping off with Scott Stewart playing “Amazing Grace” on bagpipes.

Originally known as Decoration Day and first proclaimed in 1868, Memorial Day is meant to serve as a solemn tribute to all American military personnel who died in service to our nation.

The modern proclamation calls on “the people of the United States to observe Memorial Day by praying, according to their individual religious faith, for permanent peace,” according to Cornell Law School.

Only Martin County traditionally had a parade on Memorial Day, with solemn ceremonies in St. Lucie and Indian River counties.