Submitted by Bedford’s Patriotic Holiday Committee
In its annual Memorial Day observances, Bedford honors Patriots who died in service to the United States–from the Revolutionary War through the most recent conflicts. The ceremonies move along The Great Road, from the American Legion Post to the Shawsheen Cemetery, then to the bridge over the Shawsheen River, the Old Burying Ground, the Fallen Veterans Memorial at Bedford High School, the World War I memorial on Bedford Common, and ending in a ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park.
“Please join us in honoring our veterans, especially remembering those veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our freedom,” said Patriotic Holiday Committee chair Paul Purchia.
Town events include:
8:30 am: American Legion/VFW Memorial Ceremonies
Starting at American Legion Post and then moving to Shawsheen Cemetery and the bridge over the Shawsheen River.
At Shawsheen Cemetery, Don Corey from the Historical Society will give a brief talk about the cemetery and Bedford’s Civil War soldiers. After the ceremony, the group will walk to the Shawsheen River to honor Navy veterans.
10:00 am: Old Burying Ground Ceremony
Lori Eggert from the Historical Society will talk briefly about the Old Burying Ground, followed by Roll Call of Revolutionary War veterans and ex-slaves by Minuteman Captain Jim McGinn. Terrence Parker, Esq. will give a brief history about the ex-slaves buried there, “Amazing Grace,” musket shots fired by Minutemen and TAPS.
10:45 am: BHS Fallen Veterans Memorial Plaza Tribute
Honoring Bedford High School graduates lost during wartime.
11:00 am: Town Parade
The parade starts from Mudge Way, proceeds along Great Road, stopping at WWI Memorial on Bedford Common where Lee Yates of the Historical Society will speak briefly about the WWI memorial. The parade continues to Veterans Memorial Park (next to Bedford Funeral Home).
11:15 am: Veterans Memorial Park Ceremonies
Invocation offered followed by Bedford High School Band plays “God Bless America,” featured speakers will include Chair of the Bedford Selectmen Mike Rosenberg, State Rep. Ken Gordon, and Keynote Speaker Col. Chad Ellsworth. Veterans attending will be recognized, and a Roll Call of Veterans who have passed on during the past year will be read. Poppies placed on memorials honoring each of the 13 Bedford men killed in action during WWII, Viet Nam and Iraq. The raising of the Flag by our Grand Marshals Al Fay and Gerry Hartmann during the playing of our National Anthem by BHS Band. Benediction, volleys by the Air Force JROTC, and TAPS will conclude our ceremonies.
Contact Paul Purchia (781-275-2464) for more information.
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