Memorial Day in Swampscott

Ceremonies

Memorial Day ceremonies will take place noon Monday in the Veterans' Lot at the . 

Rev. Dean Pedersen will lead the observance, and, afterwards, VFW Post 1240 will host an open house at 8 Pine St.

Last year ceremonies included a bagpiper, bugles, a color guard and an address by Rev. Pedersen, whose words included a list of Swampscott veterans who gave their lives in wars. 

Swampscott veterans lost in wars:

Civil War: 14

WWI: 6

WWII: 51

Korean War: 2

Vietnam War: 4

The Global War on Terror: 2

WW I Cannon Returns

The town’s was expected back in town on Friday after nine months at a Haverhill farm.

The French 75 gun received new wheels and had a century of rust removed.

Before last Memorial Day, Swampscott firefighters placing flags on firefighters' graves noticed the cannon was in rough shape and the department's union spearheaded an effort to recondition the gun, Swampscott fire Capt. Kevin Thompson said earlier.

The cannon will be returned to its resting place among the graves of World War I veterans.

A cannon rededication ceremony is tentatively planned for later this year, said Bill Wollerscheid of the American Legion Post.

Swampscott High School Band

The band will march in two parades, back-to-back, in Nahant and Lynn, on Monday, said band Director Scott Winship.

Nahant steps off at 9:30. After the parade they will load the bus and travel to Lynn and take their place in the staging area.

The Lynn parade steps off at 1:30, and is about 2.5 miles long. 

Hadley Elementary School

On Friday, Hadley's Annual Memorial Day Program included a visit from veterans: Mr. Howard Vatcher, Mr. Jack Dedrick, and Mr. Myron Stone, said Principal Sandra Rivers.

"These gentlemen honored the students, staff, and families with their presence as the students of the Hadley entertained the crowd with songs and poems," the principal said.

"As the fourth graders left the stage, each student shook the hands of these gentlemen to thank them for their service."

War Memorial 

The War Memorial Committee is raising money for a Global War on Terrorism Monument to honor the men and women who have served and sacrificed in Iraq and Afghanistan.

All are invited to attend a fundraiser for the monument Saturday June 16th 7-11 pm at St. John the Baptist Club, Burpee Terrace in Swampscott. 

The donation for this night of music, food and auctions is $20 per person, or $30 per couple.

Tickets can be purchased through the Veteran's Office by calling Jim Schultz at 781-596-8853.

Donations can be also be sent to Swampscott Global War on Terror Monument,  Swampscott Town Hall, Swampscott, MA  01907.