How To Remember Framingham's Heroes This Memorial Day Weekend

FRAMINGHAM, MA — With America celebrating its 250th anniversary this year, Memorial Day events in Framingham could have a more patriotic bent than in previous years.

Memorial Day Weekend runs May 23-25, with the holiday itself falling on Monday, the 25th.

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Memorial Day is traditionally a somber recognition of soldiers who died in the Revolutionary War and the American Civil War, fought to establish and maintain freedom and liberty for all, and in every war with U.S. involvement since.

A National Moment of Remembrance takes place at 3 p.m. local time, and Massachusetts residents are encouraged to pause wherever they are for one minute of silence and join other Americans in honoring the men and women who died in U.S. military service.

Framingham will mark Memorial Day on the 25th with several remembrances.

Visit to Framingham Cemeteries, 8 a.m.: Organized by the Framingham Veterans Council, the visit begins with community members gathering at the Memorial Building, 150 Concord St.

City of Framingham Ceremony, 11 a.m.: The official recognition of the day takes place at Nevins Hall in the Memorial Building. The event includes the following.

• Opening Remarks: by Veterans Services officer and U.S. Marine veteran Chris David.
• National Anthem: Nicole Herring, daughter of Gold Star veteran Phillip Herring.
• Pledge of Allegiance: Led by Framing scouts.
• Governor’s Proclamation: presented by Robert Meltzer, Veterans Council member and U.S. Air Force veteran.
• Invocation and Benediction: by the Rev. J. Anthony Lloyd of Greater Framingham Community Church.
• Remarks: by Mayor Charlie Sisitsky and City Council Chair George P. King Jr.
• Keynote: Retired Cmdr. Bill Driscoll, a Framingham native, veteran of the U.S. Navy and a jet fighter ace.

Driscoll, one of the most highly decorated naval flight officers of the past 50 years, is a recipient of the Navy Cross, two Silver Stars, the Purple Heart, 10 Air Medals and a nomination for the Medal of Honor.

During the Vietnam War, Driscoll was credited with five enemy aircraft shootdowns. Over his career, he flew 170 combat missions, logged more than 3,300 hours of jet fighter flight time, completed 500 aircraft carrier landings, and participated in more than 5,200 jet dogfights.

See Also:

Volunteers Wanted To Plant 5,000 Flags Before Memorial Day In Framingham

Veterans Day And Memorial Day Are Not The Same: 5 Things To Know

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