Motorcycle ride memorializes Spc. Brian K. Arsenault

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By Ed Karvoski Jr., Contributing Writer

Motorcycle ride memorializes Spc. Brian K. Arsenault
Vehicles stop as motorcyclists drive onto West Main Street.

Northborough – This year, 280 motorcyclists and many passengers travelled approximately 45 miles through six towns Sept. 23 for the second annual Spc. Brian K. Arsenault Memorial Ride, beginning and ending at the Vincent F. Picard American Legion Post 234 in Northborough. A Bronze Star recipient and 2004 Algonquin Regional High School (ARHS) graduate, Spc. Arsenault was killed in action in Afghanistan at age 28 in 2014.

Before the ride, a brief ceremony took place with the national anthem sung by Mary Kate Ellsworth. Presenting the colors were color guards of the American Legion Post 234 and the Marine Corps JROTC from Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School in Marlborough.

Speakers included state Rep. Harold Norton, R-Clinton, a major in the Army Reserve; and Adam Costello of Northborough, an Army senior medic veteran and former director of Central Massachusetts Veterans Services’ District. Spc. Arsenault’s father, Daniel, thanked the ride participants on behalf of the family. The only stop during the ride was at Garrison Circle in Northborough, where Spc. Arsenault was raised.

Proceeds go to the Brian Arsenault Memorial Fund, established by the family to benefit veterans’ organizations and the Brian K. Arsenault Scholarship. Among the benefitting charities that have received donations from the fund is Project New Hope, Inc., a Worcester-based nonprofit agency helping military veterans and their families. Awarded scholarships were ARHS 2017 graduates Nathan Mott and Ryan Nicholson, chosen based on their essays about what patriotism means to them.

Representatives of the Combat Veterans Association presented the Arsenault family a donation for the memorial fund. Donations can be made payable to the “Brian Arsenault Memorial Fund,” Central One Federal Credit Union, 148 Main St., Northborough, MA 01532.

(Photos/Ed Karvoski Jr.)

Motorcycle ride memorializes Spc. Brian K. Arsenault
Presenting the colors are color guards of the Vincent F. Picard American Legion Post 234 and the Marine Corps JROTC from Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School in Marlborough.
Motorcycle ride memorializes Spc. Brian K. Arsenault
Motorcyclists begin the approximately 45-mile ride route.
Motorcycle ride memorializes Spc. Brian K. Arsenault
Supporters welcome motorcyclists back to the American Legion Post 234.
Motorcycle ride memorializes Spc. Brian K. Arsenault
Motorcyclists travel on West Main Street toward the American Legion Post 234 for a post-ride barbecue.
Motorcycle ride memorializes Spc. Brian K. Arsenault
Thanking ride participants are Spc. Brian Arsenault family members: (l to r) Brandon and Lindsey Johnson, brother-in-law and sister; and Leslie and Daniel Arsenault, mother and father.
Motorcycle ride memorializes Spc. Brian K. Arsenault
Motorcyclists drive onto West Main Street from the American Legion Post 234 parking lot.

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