FRIGID FORECAST CANCELS PARADE CEREMONY MOVED TO TOWN HALL AUDITORIUM

2017 Veterans Day……November 11, 2017

………………………………………..Middleboro’s 2017 Veterans Day parade was canceled due to forecasted frigid artic and windy conditions. The parade cancelation was due primarily to the planned participation of more than 15 World War 2 veterans as Grand Marshalls, who were to be honored and recognized by riding in convertibles.

…………….The committee for the Middleboro Veterans Council, which sponsored the parade and ceremony, opted earlier to host an indoor program honoring the World War2 veterans in the town hall auditorium.

……………..Over 400 plus citizens attended the indoor program, which saw 15 of Middleboro’s WW2 veterans, who braved the cold to attend the event. A special section of folding chairs were set-up on the front right side of the auditorium for the special guests.

 ……………..A huge sign produced by Crutchfield Company was displayed over the WW2 veterans, which stated “2017 Grand Marshalls … Veterans of World War Two…The Greatest Generation.”

………………Each WW2 veteran in attendance was given a special baseball hat. And, each were individually introduced to the audience to receive a loud round of applause of appreciation.

 ……………..Representing all WW2 veterans were: Joe Busa, Richard Glidden, Russell Pittsley, Donald Gammons, Ray Danis, Al Borges, Ed Handley, Emma Sylvia, Ernie LeBlanc, Morris Spector, Jim Francis, Lou Grigoreas, Earl MCallister, Douglas Werner and Frank Troland.

……………….Middleboro’s Veterans Service Officer Jason Cox, a former Marine, served as Master of Ceremonies for the program. He introduced WW2 veteran Ray Danis, who read a Veterans Day proclamation from Massachusetts Governor Charles Baker.

………………..Opening the morning’s ceremony following the proclamation was the ringing of Eight Bells by Joseph Kersanke by Keeper of the USS Wayne Caron bell to officially start the ceremony.

………………..Wreaths, which are normally placed outside at the monuments in the Middleboro Veterans Park, were placed at the front of the auditorium to honor the various veterans’ organizations.

……………….The Middleboro High School band under the direction of Justin Pittsley played Call to the Colors as the American Flag was posted. Singing of the National Anthem followed with the WW2 Grand Marshalls leading the Pledge of Allegiance.

……………….Reverend Pastor Loren Decker of Middleboro’s Life House Church provided a thoughful invocation in blessing all our veterans.

……………….Individual service songs was played by the High School band with MC Jason Cox announcing each military branch. A spirited rendition of “God Bless America” was given by reigning Miss Massachusetts Jilian Zucco. Her appearance was arranged by Lorna Brunelle of the Burt Wood School.

………………..Placing wreaths dedicated to WW2 were Richard Glidden and Russell Pittsley; The Veterans of Foreign Wars wreath was handled by Tex Washburn and Pat Bettencourt; Emma Sylvia and Mary Standish represented the Women’s Monument.

………………Representing the Korean War Veterans wreath presentation were Noman Record and Walter Campbell, Jr.; Fred Roberson and Ronald Matthews carried the wreath for the Vietnam Veterans; and Bob Burke and Linda Palmer posted the wreath for the American Legion; Disabled American Veterans saw Art Brunelle and Nancy Parks place that organization’s wreath.

……………….While the wreaths were being placed, A spirited rendition of “God Bless America” was sung by reigning Miss Massachusetts Jilian Zucco. Her appearance was arranged by Lorna Brunelle of the Burt Wood School.

…………………Bob Burke, Past Commander of Simeon L. Nickerson Post 64 American Legion, gave a speech honoring the WW2 Grand Marshalls and veterans. He spoke of the many things developed in our lives since the sacrifice of our veterans during the war years.

…………………As the clock would to the time of 11 after 11 a.m., Joseph Kersanke rang the Wayne Caron bell to pause our thoughts about the WW2 Armistice. This was followed by a 21 gun salute by the Middleboro Veterans Honor Guard led by Bruce Wright.

………………….Benediction closed out the 2017 edition of Veterans Day.

………………….Audience members were thanked for their attendance and were welcomed to view the many WW2 posters on display in the auditorium. Over 50 posters, owned by Post 64, included four replica Rockwell Freedom printings were on view.

………………….Members of the Veterans Day Committee were Paul Provencher, Bob Burke, Mike Palmer, Bob Lessard, Walter Campbell, Jr., Joseph Kersanke, Paul Kreitzberg and Jason Cox. The sound system was co-ordinated by Tom Dexter and Paul Kreitzberg.