Here is a photo essay of Holliston’s 2022 observance of Veterans Day. Holliston vets assembled at the Iraq / Afghanistan monument to begin the day’s events.
Marine Lance Corporal Bruno Bonaldi salutes as Bugler Joe Cibotti sounds taps at the Iraq / Afghanistan monument.
The parade of veterans, led by VFW Commander Dave DeGann and American Legion Commander Ron Turcotte, begins the march to Town Hall.
Commanders DeGann and Turcotte place a wreath at Memorial Square.
The marching contingent arrives at Town Hall while family, friends, and others look on.
After a wreath was placed at the Town Hall veterans’ monument, the veterans assembled for group photos based on their service period. Holliston’s oldest WWII veteran Charlie Nickerson was absent, so we started with Korean War vets (see
below).
Korean and Viet Nam vets
Veterans from all wars / conflicts to date.
Then it was time to move inside to enjoy a turkey luncheon, catered by TJ’s of Ashland and served by the Holliston Lions / Leos.
Every table was full as vets visited with one another prior to the meal.
The Veterans Day Committee: Steve Bradford and Bobby Blair (what are they passing between them?)
After a welcome by Steve Bradford, a number of presentations / messages were shared. Elected officials, Knights of Columbus donations and a heartfelt message from our Project 351 Leadership Team member Pranav Govindarajan.
State Senate President Karen Spilka (L) spoke of the many programs Massachusetts has for ALL veterans. Newly elected State Representative James Arena-DeRosa promised to serve veterans as well as all constituents in the Middlesex 8th district.
Select Board Vice-chair John Cronin spoke on behalf of the Board thanking the veterans and their families for their service and sacrifice.
Knights Tony Alexander and Mitch Liro presented $2,500 checks to “Tunnels to Towers” and “Homes for our Troops” from proceeds of the 2022 Annual Charity Raffle.
Pranav Govindarajan spoke about his family’s visit with Charlie Nickerson (photo on poster), sharing an excerpt from Mr. Nickerson journal from his Honor Flight to Washington, DC. As a way to show appreciation to veterans, Pranav organized a “Kudoboard” website to collect / share messages.
Jay Patel (far right) is the current Project 351 Ambassador for Holliston. Photo courtesy of Bhuvana.
Commander / Chaplain Ron Turcotte said grace as the Kudoboard (center) messages scrolled. To view the Kudoboard, click here -> https://www.kudoboard.com/boards/nV7r7L3k
Veterans learned a long time ago that when the chow line forms, it’s best to be near the front (see below).
Thank you to all who made this remembrance happen.
Thanks for the nice coverage of our event. It means very much
to the vets of the town. What a wonderful town we have. My wife and
I arrived in Holliston 63 yrs ago, thought we would be here 3 yrs!
One of the best decisions we ever made.
I am one of the vets attending, actually, to my surprise, one of the
two Korea vets. It’s quite a shock that you have become the senior
in such a group.
Would it be possible to obtain a copy of the newspaper, or copies of the
pictures. They would mean a lot to me. A part of my life’s history for my
children and grandchildren.
(508-429-4844)
1 Comments
Thanks for the nice coverage of our event. It means very much
to the vets of the town. What a wonderful town we have. My wife and
I arrived in Holliston 63 yrs ago, thought we would be here 3 yrs!
One of the best decisions we ever made.
I am one of the vets attending, actually, to my surprise, one of the
two Korea vets. It’s quite a shock that you have become the senior
in such a group.
Would it be possible to obtain a copy of the newspaper, or copies of the
pictures. They would mean a lot to me. A part of my life’s history for my
children and grandchildren.
(508-429-4844)