Shrewsbury – The fourth annual Armed Forces Day event, honoring all service men and women, active or retired, will take place at SAC Park, 438 Lake St., Shrewsbury, Saturday, May 19, from 9 -10:30 a.m.
Representative Hannah Kane (R-Shrewsbury) will be joined by several of her colleagues in the Legislature who are co-sponsors of the annual event: Senator Michael Moore (D-Millbury), Representative Carolyn Dykema (D-Holliston), Representative Danielle Gregoire (D-Marlborough), Representative David Muradian (R-Grafton) and Representative Harold Naughton (D- Clinton). Senate President Harriette Chandler (D-Worcester) and Senator Jamie Eldridge (D-Acton) are also co-hosts of the event. The delegation represents the central Massachusetts Veterans’ Service district of Shrewsbury, Westborough, Northborough and Grafton. The event is free and open to all active and retired military personnel and members of the public who would like to take part in honoring those who have served.
“Armed Forces Day focuses on honoring the service and sacrifice of all military personnel, and acknowledges the enormous debt of gratitude we owe these selfless patriots. It is humbling to be surrounded by so many who have given so much and I am pleased to once again co-host this community celebration with my legislative colleagues,” said Kane.
Muradian said he is “honored to have the opportunity to join with our friends and neighbors in central Massachusetts to recognize our active and retired military personnel and their service to our country. This event will be a great opportunity to not only gather together, but also show our thanks to the members of our United States Military.”
Armed Forces Day was created in 1949 by then US Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson, to replace separate Army, Navy and Air Force days and unify all branches of the military under the Department of Defense. It is a day to pay tribute to those actively serving and those who have served their country in times of war and peace.
This year’s event will feature special guest speakers including Lt. Governor Karyn Polito and Congressman Jim McGovern. Shrewsbury High School graduate and University of New Hampshire student Carly O’Brien will perform the National Anthem and God Bless America and the Grafton Job Corp Color Guard will post the flags, while local Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts will lead the Pledge of Allegiance. The Westborough High School band, under the direction of Evan Doyle, will perform patriotic musical accompaniments. Reverend Robert Hyde of the First Congregational Church in Shrewsbury, and a veteran of the United States Air Force, will offer a prayer. Attendees will enjoy music, readings and a continental breakfast prepared by Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School Culinary Program students while hearing remarks on the branches of the military.
For more information or to RSVP, contact Gayle Vigeant at [email protected] or 508-341-0578.
