When Steve Bradford asked if I would do the writeup for this year’s Memorial Day Parade Marshal, I immediately said yes.  Then I realized how big a life and story Bobby Blair had written for himself and so many others.

Recently, we sat down, and with Bobby’s 12-years as a Holliston reporter, he began to tell his story -from the Central Highlands of Vietnam as a 20-year-old Army grunt up to the honor of being Parade Marshal – and EVERYTHING in between.  

Bobby, being his humble self, has declined the parade marshal role several times, always deferring to an “older veteran.”  Mr. Blair is averse to the spotlight.  He did admit that he likes the attention when it is a town event such as the recent St. Patrick’s Day breakfast and roast.

After returning to his hometown following his 14-month tour of duty, he took up a mail bag and served Holliston for 37 years.  Truly Bobby is a citizen of Holliston who has worn many hats through the years.

Military/Veterans Service:  

Bobby in the uniform of his terminal rank when he mustered out.

• Served in the US Army Field Artillery, Vietnam, 1970 – 1971,
• Served as Holliston American Legion and VFW Post Commander,
• Brought the “Moving Wall” replica of the Vietnam monument, to Holliston for its 275^th anniversary
• Organized the placement of Holliston Vietnam and Desert Storm veterans’ names on the Town Hall monument,
• Posted names annually of US service personnel killed in action – once it was the name of all vets and the signs were posted on poles through several towns – 34.4 miles in all!

Community Service:  “I do it because I like it!”

Above, Bobby was recognized by the Give Back to Givers as a volunteer of the month.  Mr. Blair’s service to Holliston spans much more than one month.

Some examples shared by Bobby include:

• Downtown Marigold Project through the American Legion
• Co-founder of the Holliston Pantry Shelf
• Co-owner of the Holliston Reporter
• Co-founder of Holliston’s First Night celebration
• 1997 Citizen of the Year
• 2006 MetroWest Daily News “Man of the Year”
• 2023 Heart of a Lion award
• Authored two books honoring Holliston veterans (available on Amazon)
• Co-author of the soon to be released Holliston’s 300^th anniversary book
• Although Nike has a trademark, Bobby often follows the credo, “Just Do It” to get things done around town: Like the 2018 Laser Light show that marked the completion of the 6.7-mile Upper Charles Rail Trail through Holliston. Not coincidentally, the show was held on July 4^th, the exact date the first train pulled into Holliston in 1847

Mudville:  You can throw a rock from Bobby’s front porch and hit the homes of several of his current / past relatives.  He traces his lineage in the US back to his great-great-grandfather who lived on Union Street.  Those Irish folks certainly take root.  

As the unofficial “Mayor of Mudville,” (below) Bobby’s property is an homage to his heritage, those who built the railroad through town, and, of course, Mudville’s most notable citizen, Casey.

Only Bobby can wear a top hat, tails, and flip flops!

The American Legion Citation (below) for 50-years of membership caught my eye. At this point Bobby accepted that he may be assuming the role of an “older veteran” in his own right.  The complete story is yet to be written because in his words, “I don’t know when to stop.”

As I was putting my reporter’s notebook away, Bobby, in his leprechaun way, asked me what questions I had for him.  Easiest interview ever!