2014 Veterans Day Parade, Services in Malden

Photo: Malden’s 2013 Veterans Day Parade. Credit: Paul Hammersley, City of Malden.

The following is from the City of Malden.

Veterans Day Parade and Memorial Service – Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2014, 9 a.m.

The Annual Veterans Day Parade, sponsored by the Malden American Legion Post #69, is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2014.

Memorial Services will be held at 9 a.m. with Legion Officers, veterans, clergy and elected officials at the American Legion, 368 Pleasant St.

The parade will step off from the Legion at 10 a.m. and will proceed up Pleasant Street, continuing left onto Summer Street, right onto Mountain Avenue, right onto Mt. Vernon Street and right onto Salem Street. The marchers will then continue through Malden Square advancing right onto Pleasant Street and ending in front of City Hall where the parade will be dismissed.

If you would like further information about the parade or have any questions, please call American Legion at 781-324-9570.

William R. Callahan Park and Memorial Rededication – Veterans Day, Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2014, at Noon

City leaders and members of the Malden community will gather at William R. Callahan Park on Veterans Day, Tuesday, Nov, 11, at noon at the conclusion of the Veterans Day Parade for the rededication of the William R. “Billy” Callahan Park.

Billy Callahan, born on April 27, 1925, was raised in the Edgeworth section of Malden on Russell Street. In 1950, Billy enlisted in the U.S. Army just before the outbreak of the Korean War. Billy served on the Malden Common Council for two years and then Malden City Council for 14 years. Known to many as Mr. Fourth of July, Billy held tremendous July 4 celebrations at Devir Park during his years on the Council. He also served as a Democratic member of the 16th Middlesex District House of Representatives for one term, from 1971 to 1973. Billy represented Malden with pride and distinction as a member of multiple organizations, including the Knights of Columbus and the Ancient Order of Hibernians.

Billy Callahan came from a proud family of dedicated public servants and veterans who served our nation during some difficult times. His brother Eddie Callahan, a Malden Police Officer and WWII U.S. Navy veteran was killed in 1963 during a robbery at the A&P supermarket. Another brother, Paul Callahan, Colonel U.S. Marine Corps served in Korea as a Marine Officer and was a Malden school teacher, assistant principal as well as a City of Malden Councilor-At-Large, who passed away in 2007. The Callahan boys also had a sister Mae Beaton.

Billy Callahan died on Jan. 22, 1976, at age 50 leaving his wife Ann, daughter MaryAnn and the City of Malden much too early. On July 8, 1978, William R. Callahan Park was dedicated in Billy’s honor to recognize his distinguished service and dedication to the residents of Malden and his country.