By Michael Gelbwasser, Contributing Writer
Westborough – Memorial Day allows residents to thank the community members who didn’t get to “live the life that we live every day,” as well as their families, Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito said during a ceremony to commemorate Memorial Day.
“The best we can do is just this,” Polito told residents during Westborough’s Memorial Day observance, held May 25 in front of the Forbes Municipal Building.
The 100th town’s observances began with wreath-laying services at the St. Luke’s, Pine Grove and Midland cemeteries, followed by a parade to the Forbes building. Westborough VFW Post 9013 hosted a cookout after the events at the Forbes building.
Westborough Veterans Advisory Board Chairman Brent French called dedicating this Memorial Day to Pete Fay, who died earlier this year, “only fitting,” because Westborough veterans considered him among their “greatest friends and allies.” Fay was a World War II veteran who received the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart, French noted.
“He returned to the U.S. to fight just as bravely for veterans and citizens of Westborough,” French said.
Residents Edward Wong and David Fay served as grand marshals Monday.
Wong served in the Air Force during the Vietnam War. Fay served in the Navy during the early 1960s.
Polito, French, Wong and Fay were among several speakers at the Forbes building.
State Rep. Hannah Kane (R-Shrewsbury) recalled that “my earliest memories of Memorial Day are of the many flags that adorned our homes, our cemeteries and our parades.”
“From a young age, I always understood our flag to represent the very best our country had to offer,” she said.
Westborough High School National Honor Society President Meredith Wolpert read the Gettysburg Address.
Veterans Services Officer/Veterans Agent Kenneth Ferrera then presented Wolpert with the American Legion School Medal, on behalf of Westborough Post 163.
Photos/Michael Gelbwasser