American Legion Post 221 will sponsor the annual July 4 public reading of the Declaration of Independence Saturday at 11 a.m. at Veterans Memorial Park.
Jon O’Connor, post commander, emphasized that face covering and social distancing will be observed to deter the spread of the Covid-19 virus. “There’s plenty of room to spread out to appreciate our freedoms and independence,” he said, adding that he has cleared the event with the chiefs of police and fire.
Following the reading, a flag retirement ceremony will take place at noon behind the Legion Hall at 357 The Great Road. The ritual usually takes place on Flag Day, June 14.
Residents are asked to drop off any flags for retirement in a paper bag by Friday at the police or fire station, or Moison’s Ace Hardware Store by Friday in the Great Road Shopping Center.
Recalling Bedford Minuteman Company Captain John Filios
O’Connor noted that the annual reading evoked memories of former Bedford Minute Men Captain John Filios, who fostered the tradition. For many years the Minute Men sponsored a community Independence Day celebration with activities at Veteran Memorial Park.
O’Connor thanked “Bedford’s first responders, Ace Hardware, Troop 194 Scouts, St Michael’s Knights of Columbus, the VFW, Bedford Patriotic Holiday Committee, American Legion Family and the American Legion Riders for their support.”
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