By Bonnie Adams, Managing Editor
Westborough – Hundreds of residents gathered along South and West Main streets to watch the town’s annual Memorial Day parade, which ended in front of the war memorials in front of the Forbes Municipal Building. Col. Brent French served as master of ceremonies for a program that included guest speakers David Hero, a Navy veteran who also served as the parade’s grand marshal; Denzil Drewry, chair of the Westborough Board of Selectmen and U.S. Army Green Beret; and State Rep. Hannah Kane, R-Shrewsbury.
A.J. McLucas, a student ambassador from Project 351, read an official proclamation from Gov. Charlie Baker. Logan’s Orders (a document published in 1868 that established Memorial Day) was read by Al Tournas and the Gettysburg Address was read by Audrey Von-Maszewski, Westborough High School (WHS), and National Honor Society president. The invocation was given by Pastor Derek Duncan from the Chapel of the Cross.
The memorial wreath was presented by Drewry, Gold Star Mother Rita Lee, her grandson Brian and her great-grandson Julian. Mrs. Lee’s son, 2nd Lt. Vincent B. Lee, U.S. Marine Corps, was killed at age 24 in 1969 during a search and destroy operation in the Vietnam War.
Music was provided by WHS a cappella group Don’t Panic; the WHS Marching Band, under the direction of Evan Doyle; and the Gibbons Middle School Band, under the direction of Karen Forrest.
Prior to the parade, officials, veterans and clergy held ceremonies at the town’s new 9/11 Memorial and at St. Luke’s, Pine Grove and Midland cemeteries.
Photos/Bonnie Adams
