By Ed Karvoski Jr., Contributing Writer
Hudson – Stars and stripes were plentiful Nov. 11 in downtown Hudson when the annual Veterans Day parade was led by two color guards: Hudson AMVETS Post 208 and Marine Corps JROTC of Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School.
New this year, a 1944 M4 Sherman tank provided by the Collings Foundation, promoting its American Heritage Museum, traveled the parade route. The tank appeared in the 1984 film “Tank” starring James Garner.
A new marching unit also participated. Recognizing that fewer veterans are able to march in the parade in recent years, Veterans Agent Brian Stearns invited Hudson Interact Club members to march and carry signs that displayed veterans’ names. Interact is a youth community-service group, sponsored locally by the Hudson Rotary Club.
Other parade participants included state and town officials, representatives from local veterans’ organizations, Scout troops and Marine Corps JROTC cadets of AVRTHS. Patriotic music was performed by the Hudson High School Marching Band under the direction of Jason Caron.
Afterward, a ceremony at Liberty Park was emceed by Commander Joe Jacobs of AMVETS Post 208 and American Legion Post 100. Reciting the Pledge of Allegiance were Ella Giusti, 11, of Girl Scout Troop 66271, and Thomas Silva, 14, of Boy Scout Troop 77. Guest speakers included state Sen. Jamie Eldridge (D-Acton), state Rep. Kate Hogan (D-Stow) and Selectmen Chair Joseph Durant.
The keynote speech was delivered by Special Forces Vietnam veteran Denzil Drewry of Westborough, a retired Army Green Beret major. Drewry discussed his high regard for his fellow Vietnam veterans.
photos/Ed Karvoski Jr.
