By Ed Karvoski Jr., Contributing Writer
HUDSON – The long holiday weekend’s rain stopped in time May 31 for a brief Memorial Day ceremony outside Hudson Town Hall. Surrounding the site, flags symbolizing America, Massachusetts and Hudson decorated downtown lampposts.
Commander Joe Jacobs of American Legion Post 100 and AMVETS Post 208 emceed the ceremony.
Michael King, treasurer of Hudson-Concord Elks 959, offered an invocation. Reciting the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Anthony Luongo of Boy Scout Troop 77.
Select Board member Fred Lucy chronicled the history of Memorial Day before delivering the Gettysburg Address. Veterans Agent Brian Stearns and state Rep Kate Hogan (D-Stow) each honored the sacrifices made by military veterans, first responders and essential workers.
The Hudson AMVETS Post 208 Color Guard presented the colors. Also representing AMVETS Post 208, Marine Corps veteran and bugler Gary Murphy played “Taps.”
Later at the downtown rotary’s Liberty Park, Murphy took part in the national moment of silence known as Taps Across America at 3 p.m. Murphy noted that he participates in the observance to support No More 22. The nonprofit’s goal is to reduce the national daily average veteran suicide rate of 22 per day.
Concluding the Town Hall ceremony, Jacobs expressed hope that the town’s usual parade and Liberty Park ceremony will return on Veterans Day.
Photos/Ed Karvoski Jr.
