Reading Honors Its Fallen Heroes On Memorial Day

READING, Ma. - Kevin Bohmiller could have spent the entire Memorial Day service listing the accomplishments of Brigadier General Jack Hammond. Distinguished Service Medal, Bronze Star ... the list went on and on.

"Not bad for a C+ student from Reading High," said Hammond, bringing humor and more than a few smiles to the assembled crowd at Laurel Hill Cemetery.

Hammond was the keynote speaker at Monday's ceremony, one of four held at Reading's town cemeteries. Hammond grew up in the Mudville area of Reading and after leaving Reading went on to a decorated military career that included time in Afghanistan and Iraq. Today he's the director of the Home Base program, a collaboration between the Red Sox and Mass General that supports veterans after they return home.

Hammond called Memorial Day, "A day of mixed emotions. Some of the memories are fond, many are of lost comrades."

As always, Reading's ceremonies were led by Bohmiller, Reading's Director of Veterans' Services. After introductory remarks he led a program that included music from the Reading Memorial High School Band, and comments by Select Board chair Vanessa Alvarado. Rev. Jamie Michaels of Old South United Methodist Church gave the invocation. There was a moment of silence for veterans, including Frank Driscoll, a central organizer for 15 years of the town's Memorial Day program and who passed away just days after the 2018 Memorial Day services. Jill Mayberry read the roll call of Reading veterans who had passed away in the last year. The Placing of the Wreath was done by Bohmiller along with Thomas Fennelly, Commander of VFW Post 685.

It all started with Reading's annual parade, led by the Police Honor Guard and complete with the band, scouts, and elected officials Landry, Alvarado, and House Minority Leader Brad Jones.