Northborough – New this year, the fourth annual Spc. Brian K. Arsenault Memorial Ride got a police escort Sept. 28 by the Central Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council with motorcycle officers representing several communities. The ride began and ended at Northborough’s Vincent F. Picard American Legion Post 234. A Bronze Star recipient, Army Spc. Arsenault was killed in action in Afghanistan at age 28 in 2014.
Traveling along the approximately 45-mile route, motorcyclists passed Algonquin Regional High School (ARHS), where Spc. Arsenault graduated in 2004. Ride proceeds go to the Brian Arsenault Memorial Fund, established by the family to benefit veterans’ organizations and a scholarship in the fallen soldier’s name. Scholarships were awarded to ARHS 2019 graduates Nicholas Gingrich and Matthew Mshooshia.
A pre-ride ceremony took place with the colors presented by American Legion Post 234 Color Guard. The national anthem was sung by Frankie Sullivan, an Arsenault family friend.
Spc. Arsenault’s father, Dan, spoke on behalf of the family. Thanking the community for their ongoing support, he said, “Sept. 4, 2014, was not the final moment for Brian Arsenault. You’ve kept him alive. We appreciate it.”
Among other speakers were state Rep. Harold Naughton (D-Clinton), who served 14 years in the Army Reserve before transferring to the Massachusetts Army National Guard; and Adam Costello of Northborough, an Army senior medic veteran and now serving as the Easter Seals of Massachusetts veterans’ coordinator.
The ride concluded with lunch provided by Texas BBQ Company, and musical entertainment by the blues and rock band Sweet Fire. Additional funds were raised with a bake sale, bucket raffle and silent auction.
Photos/Ed Karvoski Jr.
