Above: Residents are again welcome to take part in the Town’s traditional parade and ceremony honoring Memorial Day. (Photo by Joao Melo)
Last year, due to the pandemic, the parade and ceremony was conducted by veterans but closed to the public. This year, the public is again welcome to participate. Organizers state, “Distancing and face masks will be at the discretion of the individual.”
Memorial Day Parade
On Monday morning, veterans, and local officials will march in the annual parade. The morning begins with veterans invited to gather at the VFW/Legion Post Headquarters (at the Community House, 28 Main Street). That gathering takes place at 8:15 am.
Participants for the parade should gather in advance in the Main St. Bank parking lot (corner of Rt. 30 and Newton St). Groups traditionally joining veterans on the march are the Boys Scouts, Cub Scouts, and Girl Scouts. (Algonquin and Trottier Bands normally also participate but are unable to this year.)
At 9:00 am, the parade proceeds down Main Street, then to the cemeteries and memorials. Traditionally, members of the public have followed along.
Following tradition, they will pay honor and respect to those Veterans who have been laid to rest at the Rural Cemetery, Burnett Cemetery and Revolutionary War Cemetery.
They will also pay tribute at the Civil War Monument to honor those who died during the War Between States. That includes a Trottier student’s traditional reading of the Gettysburg Address.
Observances will end at the All Wars Memorial with speakers and finish with the National Anthem.
Changing of the Flags
As usual, residents, veterans and scouts are encouraged to help prepare in advance of Memorial Day. This Friday, May 28th, at 6:00 pm, volunteers will gather to replace flags the US flags marking veterans’ graves.
The event takes place at the Rural Cemetery on Cordaville Road. Volunteers should meet in front of the Maintenance Building at the back of the cemetery.
The public invitations for both events were issued by Commander Steve Whynot, VFW Post 3276 and Commander Dan Kolenda, American Legion Post 161. (Although, Commander Whynot is unable to attend Friday’s Changing of the Flags, Commander Kolenda and Southborough Veterans Agent Brian Stearns will be running the event.)
