Waltham Memorial Day: What To Know

WALTHAM, MA — For as long as Michael Russo has been working for the city of Waltham, every year on Memorial Day veterans from across all military branches gather in uniform and march up to the Waltham Common to remember the military men and women who have gone before them.

"It's a nice ceremony," said Russo.

Veterans from the four clubs in Waltham - from the American Legion to the VFW to the National Guard Unit line up on the walkway after having participated in the Gold Star Mother's Memorial at the Prospect Street Bridge and then march to the Circle of Remembrance as the American Legion Band plays music.

Commander of the Allied forces John Reid will be master of ceremony, local priests will lead an opening prayer, and then Russo will read the names of all the veterans who have passed since the previous Memorial Day.

"There are something like 85 names on that list," said Russo.

The entire ceremony is short, between 20 and 25 minutes. But the lead up to the Memorial Day event spans the entire week: From volunteers placing flags on graves at Mount Feake and Calvary cemeteries to special ceremonies across the city, said Russo. Sunday there will be a dedication at Sullivan Square.

The day was once known as Decoration Day, and Americans began to observe it as a holiday three years after the end of the Civil War. It began as a day to decorate the graves of fallen soldiers. Memorial Day wasn't declared a national holiday until 1971 and has since been observed annually on the last Monday in May.

What's open, closed?

Monday, May 28, is Memorial Day, and the holiday means some businesses and other places in the city will be closed but parking is free. Before you head out, check our list of what's open and closed on the holiday:

• Municipal, state, federal offices: Closed (no meetings) Schools: Closed
• Waltham Public Library: Closed
• Banks: Closed
• Mail: Post offices closed; express delivery only
• Supermarkets: Open
• Convenience stores: Open
• Retail stores: Open at owner's discretion
• Restaurants, bars: Open at owner's discretion
• Liquor stores: Closed

Trash, recycling: Delayed one day.

Also Closed:

The Open Table Pantry will be closed. The Pantry will be open Tuesday, May 29, 1 to 3 p.m. for shoppers with regular Tuesday appointments and 3 to 6 p.m. for shoppers with Monday appointments. There will be no Community Dinner Tuesday evening.

Costco: Closed Monday.

View the MBTA's Memorial Day schedule >>

Memorial Day schedule 2018:

--Photo at the top courtesy Fiorentino family: Eric Fiorentino from the Whittermore school helped place flags on graves for Memorial Day and found the name of his grandfather.