SHREWSBURY – Several hundred community members lined Maple Avenue on Monday morning as the town observed Memorial Day with an elaborate parade and several meaningful honorary ceremonies.
The parade began at the soldiers memorial beside Town Hall. Standing in front of the memorial alongside several other town government leaders, Select Board Chair Beth Casavant delivered opening remarks.
“Let us pause this morning to recognize the sacrifice of the brave men and women from across the nation and right here in Shrewsbury who felt called to serve in our armed forces and paid the ultimate sacrifice, allowing us to enjoy the many freedoms that are easily taken for granted,” she said.
State Rep. Hannah Kane (R – 11th Worcester) also delivered remarks, presenting Maj. John Travers, the town’s Memorial Day speaker and master of ceremonies, with a citation honoring his “distinguished service in the U.S. Army and [his] fervent commitment to honoring our active military members, veterans, and those who gave their lives in service.”
After the opening speeches, the parade moved down Maple Avenue, passing the old Maj. Howard W. Beal School and turning onto Boylston Street to the veterans memorial outside the Shrewsbury Public Library.
Along the way, dozens of residents – including many families with young children – cheered on the parade, waving at the veterans, proudly holding miniature American flags, and enjoying the upbeat music played by the Shrewsbury High School (SHS) band.
After the Gettysburg Address was delivered by an SHS student at the veterans memorial, Maj. Travers addressed the town, detailing what Memorial Day and service means to him.
“It is our responsibility as citizens to remember our nation’s brave fallen men and women – whether they died on foreign lands in the heat of battle or during training, or after a lifetime of service to our country. Never forget the men and women who know all too well the cost of our freedom, for their service to our country is their greatest gift,” he said.
The procession then headed to Mountain View Cemetery for a wreath-laying ceremony, a rendition of “Taps,” and a benediction from Monsignor Michael Rose. After Msgr. Rose, the town honored 31 local fallen military members spanning six wars.
