Blue skies, the Rams Middle School Band, and the town’s oldest veteran made for a hometownish observance of Veterans Day on Wednesday November 11th.
Some twenty years ago the town’s veteran population numbered over 700. Now according to the local census that number stands at 487. Those same census stats show that only three WWII veterans are still alive in town. Charlie Nickerson, the former owner of Out Post Farm is the town’s oldest veteran at 101 years of age. Nickerson served with the fabled 82nd Airborne Div. in Europe and was awarded two Silver Stars and a Russian medal for valor. Charlie was in attendance for Wednesday’s ceremonies and dinner.
After a wreath laying, rifle salute, taps, and photo opt, veterans were ushered upstairs in town hall for a complete turkey dinner. This year the Rams Middle School Band were invited to dinner.
Joe Russo representing Senate President Karen Spilka, Rep. James Arena DeRosa, and Selectwoman Tina Hein all addressed the crowd.
The Holliston Lions Club and their junior partners the Holliston Leo’s served dinner. Legion Commander Eusebio Gonzalez, Sr. and VFW Commander David DeGanne presented citations to the Lions, Leo’s and Mark Ahronian for their support of the popular event which celebrated its 20th year. Special thanks to Capt. Don Bates for his yearly financial donation and Tina Chemini of TC Scoops for her yearly donation of ice cream.
The veterans day committee consisted of American Legion members Bobby Blair, Steve Bradford, Checia Gonzalez and Walter McGrath.
Special thanks to Paul Saulnier for the fabulous photographs
