Stoneham to celebrate Memorial Day with parade, assemblies and grave decoration
Published on May 22nd, 2002
STONEHAM, MA - The annual Memorial Day Parade will be held on Monday, May 27, 2002, at 10 a.m. The parade will start at St. Patrick’s Cemetery on Elm Street participating groups are asked to assemble at 9:15 a.m.
After a brief ceremony at St. Patrick’s Cemetery, the parade will proceed down Elm Street, turn left on Main Street, turn right onto Montvale Avenue and follow down to Lindenwood Cemetery. Parade groups will assemble around the Veterans’ Memorial Circle for reading of The Gettysburg Address." Wreath presentation, music and Taps will follow. The parade will regroup and proceed to Town Hall for the Memorial Day program.
This year’s Parade Marshall will be James Lamb. James served in the US Army during the Korean War. Guest speaker will be Rear Admiral Raymond R. Coutere, USNR (Ret.). Admiral Coutere served during WWII and the Korean War. The invocation and benediction will be given by Deacon Earle Prentiss of the First Congregational Church.
The significance of the Memorial Day Parade and ceremonies can never be taken for granted as shown again in what happened on Sept. 11, 2001. It is our duty and obligation to honor those who served and died for our country. This year’s parade and ceremonies will be dedicated to those who lost their lives on Sept. 11.
"Do your part and show your patriotism by attending," said Parade Committee Secretary Joe Desisto.
Memorial Day ceremonies will be held at all Stoneham Public Schools on Thursday, May 23 and Friday, May 24. Decoration of veterans’ graves will take place from May 22-26. Flags can be picked up at Lindenwood Cemetery. Please call ahead, 781-438-1924.
A special memorial mass will be held at St. Patrick’s Cemetery on Elm Street on Monday, May 27 at 8:30 a.m., just prior to the parade. The Rev. William Schmidt, pastor of St. Patrick’s Church, encourages all citizens to attend this service to honor the memory of our deceased veterans. People attending are asked to use the Broadway entrance to avoid the parade groups on Elm Street.
In case the parade has to be cancelled due to inclement weather, the memorial ceremony will be held in the Town Hall Auditorium at 11 a.m.
For additional information, please call 781-438-3479.
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