Compiled by The Bedford Citizen
A full morning of ceremonies is planned when Bedford observes Memorial Day on Monday, May 28.
Bedford will honor the Veterans who passed away since Memorial Day, 2017
- WWII ~ Joseph R. Arsenault, Joseph C. Doucet, Madeline Lombardi, Harry Richter, John Schellhase, William R. Stern, George W. Sullivan, and Caleb Warner.
- Korea ~ Donald Eunson Sr., Myron H. Gural, Daniel J. Lehan, Robert H. MacKerron, Frank J. Martines, Robert J. Murphy, Hugh Sheply, Maurice L. Sternberg, Robert F. Terenzoni, James R. Walker, Bruce R. Williams, and Donald K. Willim.
- Korea & Vietnam ~ Malcolm F. Wetherbee
- Vietnam ~ William G. Field Jr., David J. Melville, Edward J. Murphy III, and Daniel W. Oblas,
- Gulf War ~ Jack D. Fisher, Jennifer E. Swanson, and Joseph E. Toole
- Peacetime and Unknown ~ Paul R. Drouilhet Jr., Lorraine M. Hansen, Karl O. Lundgren, Peter J. Masters, George S. Morris, Tom L. Peterson, William C. Terris, Francis R. Thompson, Sr., and William D. Warren Jr.
And Bedford Veterans who lost their lives in battle
- WWII ~ Frederick Genetti (US Navy), Leslie Neville (US Navy), George Vetterman (US Army), John E. Ross (US Navy), Alfred Kace (US Army), Charles Ryan (US Army), Gregory Muldoon (US Army), Ralph Hume (US Navy)
- Vietnam ~ Robson W. Wills (US Army), Terry M. Reed (USAF), Dennis M. O’Neill (US Army)
- Iraq ~ Travis R. Desiato (USMC), John D. Hart (US Army)
Ceremonies and Observances
The ceremonies will begin at 8:30 am at the American Legion / V.F.W. Memorial: Chaplain Arthur Strafuss will offer prayers; a wreath ceremony with T194 Boy Scouts will be followed by Firing Squad Volleys and TAPS. A short service will follow at Shawsheen Cemetery with prayers and brief statements by AL Post Cmdr. OC O’Connor and VFW Cmdr. David Spence. Remarks by Don Corey of the Bedford Historical Society. A ceremony on the Great Road bridge over the Shawsheen River to honor Navy Veterans will be led by VSO Bill Linnehan. Navy Veteran Art Smith will offer remembrance and a wreath tossed will be into the river in honor of Navy Veterans.
The observance moves to the Old Burying Ground on Springs Road at 10 am. Capt. Jim Ringwood of the Bedford Minutemen Co. will introduce Don Corey of the Bedford Historical Society who will speak about the Old Burying Ground. Minuteman Capt. Ringwood will read Roll Call of all Revolutionary War Veterans and Terrence L. Parker will give a brief history of the ex-slaves who are buried there. The Bedford Minutemen will play “Amazing Grace,” and fire their black powder muskets, followed by TAPS played by BHS band members.
There will be a tribute near the Fallen Veterans Memorial in front of Bedford High School at 10:45 am.
The Memorial Day parade will step off from Mudge Way at 11 am, stopping at the WWI memorial on Bedford Common for remarks by Sharon McDonald. A prayer will be offered on this year’s 100th Anniversary year of ending WWI.
The parade is expected to arrive at Veterans Memorial Park at 11:15 am.
Participants will be welcomed by Patriotic Holiday Committee Chair Paul Purchia and several dignitaries will offer remarks: Bill Moonan, Chair of the Bedford Selectmen; Sen. Mike Barrett; and Rep. Ken Gordon. Col. Roman Hund (USAF) will present the featured address. A BHS student will read an essay on “Some think Memorial Day is all about parades and BBQs, do you agree?” The Roll Call of Veterans who passed away during the past year will be read by Joe Piantedosi. Poppies will be placed on each plaque naming the thirteen men who were killed in action during WW II, Vietnam, and Iraq. The BHS Band will play the National Anthem while the flag is raised by our Grand Marshals Donald Corey and Henry Miranda. Chaplain Arthur Strafuss will offer Benediction, there will be a Bedford High ROTC rifle salute, and TAPS will sound.
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