On Memorial Day Weekend, Waltham Honors Those Who Made Ultimate Sacrifice

WALTHAM, MA — Memorial Day means more than time off from work or a chance to celebrate the unofficial start of summer.

The holiday, this year on May 25, is also a somber occasion that recalls brave men and women of the U.S. armed forces who have died in service to their country.

Here are some of the events honoring local heroes in Waltham over the Memorial Day weekend, according to the city's Department of Veterans Services.

Saturday, May 23

• Placement of flags by National Guard veterans and Boy Scouts, Mount Feake Cemetery, 203 Prospect St., 9:45 a.m.
• Placement of flags by Girl Scouts, Calvary Cemetery, 250 High St., 11:30 a.m.

Sunday, May 24

• John M. Sullivan Memorial Service, corner of Lincoln Street and Lake Street, 9 a.m.
• Veterans of Foreign Wars Ceremony, VFW Post 10334, 623 Trapelo Road, 10 a.m.
• Veterans Memorial Church Service, Our Lady’s Church, 920 Trapelo Road, 11 a.m.

Monday, May 25

• Gold Star Mothers Memorial Ceremony, Prospect Street Bridge, 9 a.m.
• Waltham Memorial Day services, Waltham Common, 10 a.m. (gather at City Hall parking lot on Elm Street by 9:30 a.m.)

Memorial Day began in 1868 as a tribute to Union troops who lost their lives during the Civil War.

The commemoration has grown over the years to recognize all military personnel who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Designated as the last Monday of each May, the tribute became a federal holiday in 1971.

See Also:

Veterans Day And Memorial Day Are Not The Same: 5 Things To Know