By Ed Karvoski Jr, Contributing Writer
Hudson – Memorial Day was observed May 28 with an annual parade in downtown Hudson led by the AMVETS Post 208 Color Guard followed by representatives from the town’s veterans’ organizations and Hudson-Concord Elks Lodge 959. Also marching were state and town officials with Scout troops. The Hudson High School (HHS) Marching Band under the direction of Jason Caron provided music.
A ceremony with wreath layings took place at Liberty Park emceed by Joe Jacobs, commander of American Legion Post 100 and AMVETS Post 208. An invocation was offered by Vinny Giombetti, chaplain of Disabled American Veterans Chapter 82. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by the Madden siblings – Keria, 12, of Girl Scout Troop 75302, and Connor, 14 of Boy Scout Troop 77. A Memorial Day proclamation from Gov. Charlie Baker was read by Jasmine Keener, 14, of Girl Scout Troop 72741.
Speakers included state Sen. Jamie Eldridge (D-Acton) and state Rep. Kate Hogan (D-Stow). Selectmen Chair John Parent spoke in memory of his brother Jeffrey, who was killed in action at age 19 while serving in Vietnam. The HHS band played patriotic songs including “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
The holiday observance concluded with Jacobs noting that a ceremony has been rescheduled from Memorial Day to Saturday, June 16, at 9 a.m., to dedicate the replaced bridge on Washington Street as the PFC Kenneth M. Thibault Memorial Bridge.