The refurbished memorial was made possible through the leadership of the Xiarhos family and the support of local businesses, underscored by voluntary donations. Retired Deputy Chief and State Representative Steven Xiarhos delivered a notable speech, reflecting on the loss of his son Nicholas and the importance of remembering those who sacrificed their lives for freedom. He also acknowledged the support from the community and the impact of the project spearheaded by Eric Cooper, a key volunteer and local businessman. Cooper expressed his pride in being part of the effort and thanked other contributors, including the Childs family and Phil Cheney, a landscape architect.

During the ceremony, Tracy Post, a member of the Select Board, offered her gratitude to everyone involved in the project. She shared personal connections as a wife and mother of veterans and emphasized the community’s support for veteran causes, including the effort to establish a designated veteran parking sign donated by a local business.

The ceremony included a prayer by Chaplain David Akin and a performance of “Taps” by a young musician, Jevie Pendleton, with attendees instructed to stand and place their hands over their hearts—a gesture reserved for the national anthem and “Taps.”

The event also served as a prelude to the Big Nick’s Ride for the Fallen, an annual motorcycle ride honoring Cape Cod families who have lost loved ones in service. The Big Nick Riders presented Eric Cooper with a symbolic check for $16,552.77, raised to fund the memorial project.