HUDSON – Hudson’s traditional Memorial Day parade and ceremony returned on Monday to the downtown area.
The observance was canceled in 2020 due to pandemic restrictions. A ceremony then took place last year outside the Town Hall without a parade.
Leading this year’s parade were color guards of Hudson AMVETS Post 208 and the Hudson Police Department. Other parade participants included state and town officials, local veterans, members of Hudson-Concord Elks Lodge 959 and Scout troops
The Hudson High School Marching Band under the direction of Jason Caron provided patriotic music during the parade and ceremony.
Commander Joe Jacobs of American Legion Post 100 and AMVETS Post 208 once again emceed the ceremony.
Mike King, the Hudson-Concord-Elks treasurer, offered an invocation and benediction. Wreaths were laid by Joe Duca, past commander of VFW Post 1027, with Jesse Harvey, past exalted ruler of the Hudson-Concord-Elks.
State Sen. Jamie Eldridge (D-Acton) and state Rep. Kate Hogan (D-Stow) honored veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice.
“They are the soul of our nation,” Hogan said of fallen veterans.
Select Board Vice Chair Michael D. Burks Sr. expressed his appreciation for fellow residents attending the Memorial Day observance.
Mark Shulthess, a retired brigadier general and Vietnam veteran, delivered the keynote speech.
While introducing him, Veterans Agent Brian Stearns noted that Shulthess and three other veterans had recognized two Revolutionary War soldiers who were buried in unmarked graves in Hudson’s industrial area. They installed a bronze plaque with the names of these two soldiers: Captain William Loring and Corporal Joseph Waters.
Stearns called this gesture “the truest form of the term ‘Lest we forget.’”
RELATED CONTENT
Shrewsbury recognizes Memorial Day with parade, ceremonies
Westborough holds 2022 Memorial Day observances
Southborough honors veterans with flag placement at Rural Cemetery
Marlborough holds Memorial Day parade, ceremonies
