Malden Memorial Day Parade 2018: Route, Celebrations

MALDEN, MA — Memorial Day this year is Monday, May 28. Malden will spend the long weekend celebrating those who most deserve it.

On Saturday, May 26, there will be a dedication of the CPL Ralph F. Kenty Memorial Square at Savin Street and Fellsmore Road. Kenty, who served as Malden'sA ssistant City Clerk from 1981-87, was injured when his helicopter crashed in Vietnam. The only survivor, he eventually lost his leg and needed 53 surgeries through his lifetime, dying at 44. His two young daughters were raised by their grandparents in Malden.

On Monday, May 28, at 9 a.m. there will be a dedication of the Joseph F. Kinnon Memorial Square at Adams and West Streets. Kinnon was born in Malden in 1917 and was one of seven brothers who served during World War II. He was killed in action on July 30, 1944, while serving as a medic with the 117th Infantry Regiment, Medical Detachment with the 30th Division with the U.S. Army.

Kinnon was one of 239 from Malden who died in the war.

The Memorial Day Parade begins at 10 a.m. at the corner of Salem, Ferry, and Main, and will march north on Main to Forest, into the Forest Dale Cemetery, where there will be a short ceremony. The parade then moves to Pierce Street, turning right onto Salem, and ending at the corner of Salem, Ferry, and Main.

Arnold W. "Arnie" Hammersely, 86, a lifelong resident of Malden, will serve as the Grand Marshal. Hammersley enlisted the U.S. Air Force on January 2, 1951 during the Korean War and was honorably discharged on December 22, 1954. FHe then spent 32 years in the Malden Fire Department, retiring as captain in 1996. Hammersley has been married to his wife Midge for 61 years.

Also marching this year will be 30 Irish veterans from the Irish United Nations Veterans Association.

To march or volunteer in the Memorial Day Parade, contact Kevin Jarvis at 781-397-7139 or email kjarvis@cityofmalden.org.