By Ed Karvoski Jr., Contributing Writer
Northborough – Inclement weather May 30 cleared in time for Northborough residents and visitors to pay tribute to fallen veterans with the town’s annual Memorial Day parade. Stops were made at four monuments along the parade route.
Participants included American Legion Vincent F. Picard Post 234 members and guest veterans, American Legion Riders Chapter 234, town officials, state Rep. Danielle Gregoire, D-Marlborough, Scout troops, and Marine Corps JROTC cadettes of Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School in Marlborough. Music was provided by the Algonquin Regional High School (ARHS) Marching Band led by Eric Vincent, and Chamber Choir directed by Kathrine Waters.
The parade’s last stop was the Howard Street Cemetery, where a ceremony was conducted at the Veterans Memorial. John Brewster, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran in the Vietnam War, was named Legionnaire of the Year. Speakers included Adam Costello, director of Central Massachusetts Veterans’ District, and Selectman Bill Pantazis.
The ceremony concluded with thoughts shared by Gold Star family member Daniel Arsenault. Joined by his wife Leslie, their daughter Lindsey and her fiancé Brandon Johnson, he spoke about their son U.S. Army Spc. Brian K. Arsenault. The Bronze Star recipient and 2004 ARHS graduate was killed in action at age 28 in 2014 in Afghanistan.
Leslie Arsenault is one of four founders of Boros Cares 4 Troops, who marched in the parade. The organization’s mission is to remember deployed service members by sending them care packages.
Photos/Ed Karvoski Jr.