By Ed Karvoski Jr., Contributing Writer
Northborough – The forecast for rain showers May 29 afternoon didn’t occur until after the Memorial Day parade took place in Northborough. Ceremonies were held at four memorial sites along the parade route.
Participants included American Legion Vincent F. Picard Post 234 members and guest veterans, American Legion Riders Chapter 234, state and town officials, Scout troops, Boros Cares 4 Troops, and Marine Corps JROTC cadets of Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School in Marlborough. Music for the parade and ceremonies was provided by the Algonquin Regional High School Marching Band led by Eric Vincent and Chamber Choir directed by Kathrine Waters.
Among guests riding in the parade in vehicles was Air Force veteran Bill Moore, the founder, president and CEO of Project New Hope based in Worcester. The nonprofit organization helps military veterans and their families.
Observing this year’s 100th anniversary of the United States joining its allies to fight in World War I, special remembrances were featured at the First World War Monument. Taegan McDonald of Girl Scout Troop 34519 recited “Flanders Field,” a poem written by Canadian physician Lt. Col. John McCrae. Scott Alberti of Boy Scout Troop 1 spoke about the history of scouting during World War I. Then members and leaders of his troop sang “The Green Fields of France.”
The parade’s last stop was the Howard Street Cemetery for a ceremony at the Veterans Memorial emceed by Army veteran Gerard Bourque. An invocation was offered by the Rev. Valeria Schmidt, pastor of Trinity Church. Speakers were state Rep. Danielle Gregoire, D-Marlborough, and Selectmen Chair Jason Perreault. The ceremony concluded with Army and Navy veteran Larry Schafer announced as Legionnaire of the Year.
