Holliston’s 2025 Veterans Day was greeted by blustery wind and a winter chill. Veterans began the morning with services at Blair Square and Iraq/Afghanistan Memorial. Bugler Joe Cibotti provided taps during the short service there as well as at Memorial Square (Washington and Hollis Street) and town hall. For the first time ever the middle school band accompanied the veterans in the line of march keeping a steady cadence.
After a short service at town hall and a photo opt, veterans headed to upper town hall. While there were no WWII veterans in attendance one Korean War veteran was present. The town’s oldest WWII veteran Charlie Nickerson recently celebrated his 100th birthday in September. Only a handful of Holliston WWII veterans are still alive.
The gathering was honored and privileged to have the Massachusetts President of the Senate Karen Spilka address the crowd. She was followed by Rep. James Arena DeRosa and Selectwoman Tina Hein. Also seated at the guest table were 2025 Citizens of the Year John Cronin and Jane Gilfoy. Holliston’s Veterans Service Officer Kathleen Lang and Town Manager Frank Gervasio rounded out the local dignitaries.
Veteran and bugler Jack Reardon played the national anthem. Reardon is a staple in his Brentwood neighborhood. Reardon is known for his nightly playing of taps from his backyard deck to the delight of his neighbors. VFW Chaplain Ron Turcotte gave grace before a line formed for a complete turkey dinner catered by TJ’s of Ashland. Lions Club members served the meal while the Leos waited on tables. The meal concluded with ice cream sundaes provided by TC Scoops.
The event is sponsored by American Legion Post 47, Holliston Lions, and the VFW. Veterans Day Committee included Steve Bradford, Czechia Gonzalez, Walter McGrath and Bobby Blair. As one veteran told this writer, “I spoke with my brother who lives down south and he was amazed that Holliston would come together on Veterans Day and do this. The brother said they don’t do anything down here.
Photos Courtesy of Paul Saulnier
Wish it was published ahead of time. I know many folks (including me), looked on Facebook and town website but couldn’t find details. Thank you veterans and those who knew the details to show up!