From the front page of the Nashua Telegraph Nov 11, 1976.
Retaining a strong defense so the country never again has to go through a war to protect its freedom is one of the ways the nation can honor veterans and those currently in the armed forces, U.S. Rep. James C. Cleveland said today in Veterans Day exercises at Deschenes Oval.
Cleveland, speaker-of-the-day, kept his remarks brief because of the frosty weather which chilled spectators. He spoke from the snow-covered World War II Monument in the small Railroad Square park which is named after Amedee Deschenes, a young Nashua rifleman who died in France during World War I.
After paying respects to those who died in combat and those who were fortunate to survive the rigors of war, Cleveland noted that a familiar face was missing from today's Veterans Day ceremonies and parade.
He recalled that Eliot Carter, the local industrialist who was a veteran of World Wars I and II and who faithfully marched in Veterans Day parades, was no longer "marching with us, but I'm sure he is with us in spirit today." Carter died in July.
Opening and closing prayers were offered by Rev. Robert Wall, St. Patrick's Church. The playing of taps followed the firing of gun volleys.
Cleveland, a World War II veteran, remained after the 10 pm exercises to lead the annual Veterans Day parade which wended its way from Foster Square to Main Street. The parade stopped for a minute of silence in front of City Hall and terminated at Simoneau Plaza. John V. Chesson was president-of-the-day and Roberts P. Paine was chief marshal.
Sidewalks along Main Street were sparsely lined for the nine-division parade. The seasons looked rushed as the mittened hands of warmly bundled children held pastel balloons and marchers strutted under Christmas garlands strung across downtown streets.
The white-garbed members of the First New Hampshire Regiment added a bicentennial year touch to the line of march. The lead band, the 39th Army Band, New Hampshire National Guard, set a lively pace for the marchers.
Other musical organizations which brought the stirring sounds of drums and the flash of color to downtown for the parade included the Nashua High, Fairgrounds Junior High, Elm Street Junior High, American Legion Band (see photo above) and the Gary Owen, Suburbanettes and the Trojans Drum & Bugle Corps.
After the parade the various veterans organizations in the city were hosts to the numerous parade marchers.
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