By Bonnie Adams, Managing Editor
Westborough – On a cold and drizzly morning, several dozen people, including many veterans of the armed services, braved the elements to commemorate Veterans Day Nov. 11.
As is the tradition, a convoy of officials and veterans visited the town’s Pine Grove Cemetery and the Vietnam Memorial before arriving at the Forbes Municipal Building (FMB) for a ceremony in front of the war memorials.
This year’s grand marshals were father and son Ruano and Marty Lampi.
Ruano, served in the Air Force Reserves 1414th Air Base Group in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, and his son served in various capacities in the U.S. Army, also for a time in Saudi Arabia. In his comments to those gathered, Ruan noted that the two were “honored and surprised“ to be named grand marshals.
He noted that he was grateful for Betty, his wife of 64 years, and their four children.
The town of Westborough was also supportive of its veterans, he said.
“But that is not the case,” he added, “on a national level.”
Ruan concluded his remarks by offering a “message” for the audience.
“Vote, volunteer and be active,” he said. “Approach your local and state legislators and petition them for hat you want. Don’t give up.”
Also participating at the FMB ceremony was Master of Ceremonies Brent French, chair of the Westborough Veterans Advisory Board; George Barrette, the chair of the Westborough Board of Selectmen; Pastor John Taylor of the First United Methodist Church, State Rep. Hannah Kane, R-Shrewsbury, and the Westborough High School (WHS) a cappella group Harmony in Heels, who sang the national anthem.
A short ceremony was also held at the World War I monument located at the Westborough rotary. Selectman Tim Dodd and Town Moderator John Arnold placed a wreath at the base of the monument.
Three volleys of rifle fire were fired by the VFW Post 9013 and then the playing of “Taps” by WHS buglers Eamonn Mazur and Kerry Larkin concluded the ceremony at each monument.