A hardy group of veterans and towns folk honored the memory Saturday morning at 7 am in front of Holliston Town Hall of the “shot heard around the world” . VFW Chaplain Ron Turcotte led those in attendance in prayer, while Legion Commander Martin Spellacy and VFW Commander David DeGanne had the honor of hoisting a new 13 star Betsy Ross flag to the top of the pole. Murphy’s Law {anything that can go wrong – will), applied to the flag and pole when Friday it was noticed that the flag was flapping in the breeze a grommet had broken. Jury rigged old glory finally took her rightful place.
Town Historian Joanne Hulbert brought those present a history lesson noting that Holliston sent 73 men to Boston on this day 250 years ago. Three companies converged on Cambridge and Boston Neck where the British Regulars would have marched out of Boston if the lantern in the Old North Church had signaled – “one if by land. Hulbert noted that 54 Holliston men served in the Continental Army. Holliston lost 11 men during the revolution. Over 200 men served during this period, the older men acting as paymasters or recruiters.
Rep. James Arena DeRosa said he attended the symbolic hanging of lanterns at the Old North Church in Boston the previous night but wanted to attend Holliston’s commemoration instead of reenactments at Lexington and Concord.
The veterans commanders laid a floral tribute in front of the small minuteman monument before the veterans fired a three gun salute to those who perished on this day, 250 years ago. Bugler Joe Cibotti then sounded taps.
Coffee and donuts were then enjoyed by all inside the select board room. Holliston’s Dunkin Donuts donated the early morning treats. HCAT provided the portable sound system. Paul Revere, whose family lived in Holliston for safe keeping during the revolution would be proud to see Holliston’s early risers some 250 years hence.
In addition to town hall getting a new flag, 13 star flags will soon fly at the police station, fire department, Blair Square, and the Iraq and Afghanistan Memorial courtesy of The American Legion and VFW. Celebrate Holliston is busy planning activities for the year associated with America’s 250th Anniversary. All photos taken by Paul Saulnier.
