Cold/Windy Weather Greets Veterans Day Marchers On 11th

November 11, 1980

…………………………………….. MIDDLEBORO GAZETTE…By Charlie Perry : - Blustery winds and cooler

weather greeted participants in the 1980 Veterans Day parade, which for the first time in many

years, was being observed on the traditional November 11 date. The date recognizes the

signing of the Armistice ending WW1.

……..American Legion Commander John Gilfoy remarked, “This was a good year. One of the best

we’ve had lately. He further remarked on the good turnout of spectators as the parade made its

way down South Main street, through Everett Square, and back down Centre Street.

……. “I was surprised very surprised,” Commander Gilfoy commented, “considering the weather,

the turnout was better than in previous years, with many of the spectators concentrated in the

Everett Square area and at the Four Corners.”

……..The change from the Monday holiday for three-day week-end resulted from pressure, both

state-wide and nationally by the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars organizations to

return patriotic holidays to their original day of celebration.

……..Marching as color guards in the parade were the VFW Post 2188, Disabled American Veterans,

American Legion Post 64, American Legion Post 164 and the marching and firing squads of both

the Carver and Middleboro Police Departments.

………The Police Department color guard won the award for the best marching unit. A Middleboro

Gazette photo of the unit by Charlie Perry was captioned in part with: “….an excellent display

of coordination in their first parade appearance.”

……..Following the parade, traditional ceremonies, under the direction of Fletcher Clark, Jr.,

parade marshal, were held on the Town Hall lawn. Awards were presented to the winning units

marching in the parade. Judges were Mrs. Charles Sousa, Ambrose Fox and Ruth Caswell.
………………………………………………..( Posted by Bob Lessard Historian 2014.)