By Madison Butkus
Hometown Weekly Reporter
In honor of Memorial Day, the town of Medfield held a Memorial Day Parade and Observance on Monday, May 27th. The parade started in the parking lot of Janes Avenue at 10am and moved to its first stop at Baxter Park to conduct the main service. From there, everyone moved to Vine Lake Cemetery where wreaths were placed at Vine Lake and the Veterans Grave Lot. The parade then ended at Dale Street School where another ceremony was conducted on the school steps.
While drizzles of rain fell from time to time, it held off long enough for this amazing event to take place outdoors. Crowds of Medfield residents, families, and friends gathered along the street to watch this glorious parade march down Main Street.
In the front of this parade was a police escort, followed by veterans either walking or being driven. Behind them were local police officers dressed in full uniform as well as the Medfield High School Marching Band. An array of Boy Scout Troops followed in suit, with the Medfield Lions Club bringing up the rear of the parade.
As this parade marched along, those gathered on the sidewalk cheered and applauded for all participating, and especially thanked the veterans for their service. Co-Chair of the Memorial Day Committee, Michelle Doucette, welcomed attendees to the first stop on the parade route, the Memorial Exercises at Baxter Park. “We are so glad to see this great turnout,” Doucette stated, “and we appreciate everyone being here. I would like to thank the Selectboard, Denise Garlick, Becca Rosche, and the students from Medfield High that helped us make this such a successful ceremony, and all of the parade marchers.”
Within these Memorial Exercises, the “Star Spangled Banner” was sung by Medfield High School Choral Student Keira Stanton, the Invocation was said by Hunter Guthrie from First Baptist Church, and the Gettysburg Address was given by Blake Middle School 8th Grade student Meredith Roberston. After these incredible presentations, Commander Lee Tredway, Retired U.S. Naval Reserve, gave the Memorial Address before the placing of the wreaths that were done by Frank Iafolla and Robert Tannler. This was followed by the taps, benediction, and patriot selection before moving onto Vine Lake Cemetery.
The overall event was another major success and memorial time for the town of Medfield. It was such a beautiful way to honor all those who served and continue to do so for our country.
