GRAFTON – On Monday, May 27, veterans, local Scouting groups and residents joined in honoring those who died in service to their country.
The morning’s observances began at Old Farnumsville Cemetery in South Grafton. As participants moved north, they stopped at each cemetery and square along the way, with prayers, presentations of wreaths and “Taps.”
The observances included the water ceremony at the Washington Mill Bridge Street, and the final ceremony of the day at the Common.
Grafton veteran Robert Prout was honored with a citation from the State House for marching in the Memorial Day parade for 70 years.
One grandson, volunteer firefighter Tyler Prout of Station One, read “In Flanders Field.” Another grandson, Brendan Grabowski, is a captain in the U.S. Army, and marched in the parade to honor his grandfather.
“I had to make a point to go walk with him,” said Grabowski, who is stationed in Washington State.
A native of Northbridge, Grabowski has his own Memorial Day connection – Army Corporal John M. Dawson, a friend of Grabowski’s who was killed in action in Afghanistan in April 2015.
Dawson Square in Northbridge was dedicated in his honor.
