Somerville Memorial Week Observances: List of Events

SOMERVILLE, MA – The City of Somerville is planning a weeklong Memorial/Armed Forces celebration to honor local veterans and all those who have served. In addition to the week's worth of events, Somerville's annual parade will take place the weekend before Memorial Day on Sunday, May 21.

Here's a look at Somerville's Memorial Week observances.

Heroes Salute, Saturday, May 20 – 11 a.m., Somerville High School auditorium

Eight from Somerville will be honored. The 2017 honorees are:

• Ernest Bosia (Killed in Action, WWII) – Hero Square Dedication
• Daniel Duffy (Killed in Action, Vietnam) – Hero Square Dedication
• James Marques (Purple Heart Recipient, Korea) – Hero Square Dedication
• Hugh McQuade (Purple Heart Recipient, WWI) – Hero Square Dedication
• Lawrence Bolt (WWII veteran) – Greatest Generation Hall of Fame
• William Duffy (WWII veteran) – Greatest Generation Hall of Fame
• Alfred Soccorsso (WWII veteran) – Greatest Generation Hall of Fame
• Mayor Emeritus Eugene C. Brune – Profile in Courage Lifetime Achievement Award

Veterans' Memorial Parade, Sunday, May 21 – 1 p.m., steps off from City Hall Concourse

This year's parade will feature 84 participating groups including music, exhibitions and representatives of five branches of the armed forces, youth engagement, Somerville schools, veterans and historical groups. The parade promises to be one of the largest in recent memory and in the region. This year's Grand Marshalls are Vietnam-era veteran Hazel Evans and Iraq and Afghanistan veteran Theresa "Phe" Needham.

The parade will end at the fire station in Teele Square.

Somerville Honor and Remembrance Ceremony, Thursday, May 25 – 6 p.m., Veterans Memorial Cemetery (Broadway, across from Clarendon Hill Towers)

This event will be a candlelight vigil to reflect on the true meaning of Memorial Day.

Memorial on the Mystic: Concert and Fireworks Tribute, Baxter Park, Assembly Row – 7:30 p.m. following the vigil

Memorial Week is capped off by a musical performance in the spirit of Memorial Day, providing a message of hope for our country and honoring those who gave their lives. Featured performers are the Metropolitan Wind Symphony, vocal ensemble N'Harmony, the Somerville All-City Chorus and the Somerville High School Chorus.

The evening will end with a fireworks display over the Mystic River, sponsored by Federal Realty Investment Trust and Wynn Boston Harbor.

For more information on any or all events, contact Veterans’ Services at 617-625-6600 ext. 4700, or email Bryan Bishop at BBishop@somervillema.gov.