By Sharron Luttrell
Monday’s forecast of rain may mean a washout for outdoor activities, but Mendon’s tradition of honoring the fallen on Memorial Day morning will continue.
Instead of a parade, marchers will gather for a ceremony at the fire station at 8 Morrison Drive if it rains.
“When it rains we are still going to have a ceremony, it will just be abbreviated because it is still a day to pay respect and rain shouldn’t stop it.” Roger L. Wood American Legion Post Commander Susan Tetreault said.
This year, with Mendon Scout BSA Troop 1 celebrating its 100th anniversary, organizers are hoping for a large turnout of Scouts, past and present.
All former members of Troop 1 are invited to join.
“If you belonged to the troop, we want you to march with us,” former Troop 1 Scoutmaster and Select Board Chair Michael Merolli said, adding that anyone who has earned the rank of Eagle Scout, regardless of troop, is encouraged to wear their medal to the event. Merolli is also an Eagle Scout.
The Roger L. Wood American Legion post, Troop 1’s sponsor since its inception, organizes the town’s Memorial Day program each year.
“I love our little parade and I love when the townspeople show up and show respect and appreciation,” Tetreault said. “Mendon as a community does care.” Tetreault served 21 years active duty as an Army nurse, retiring in 1998.
Earlier this week, the highway department hung 47 American flag banners along the parade route, honoring military members and veterans. The 30 x 60-inch banners are larger than those in the past, with the majority including a photo of the honoree.
“Feedback has been awesome,” Tom Fitchner, treasurer of the Brothers of the Brush, the civic group behind the banners, said in a text. “The Brothers are very proud to be able to provide this program to our community and we’re extremely grateful to those who are currently participating and all those who have participated in past years.”
If there’s rain Monday, participants will assemble at the Mendon Fire Station at 7:30 a.m., with the ceremony beginning at 8.
If the rain holds off, the parade will follow the same route as in past years. Marchers will assemble at 7:30 a.m., at Eastern Safe on the corner of Gaskill and Providence Road. The parade will kick off at 8 a.m. and continue along Providence Street, Main Street, Route 16 and Maple Street with stops at the Old Cemetery, World Wars I and II memorials, the Civil War monument memorial, the Korean War memorial and the Vietnam War memorial. Traffic will be closed on a rolling basis as the parade progresses.
“This is the one day set aside to honor those military personnel who died while serving their country whether during peace or war. It is not a celebration of the living,” Tetreault said in a text message. “It’s a day of remembrance and reflection for the ultimate sacrifice made by those in uniform. It’s a reminder that freedom and peace are because of the unselfish sacrifice made for the U.S. citizens by our men and women who serve our great nation.”
Photo above: Marchers in last year’s Mendon Memorial Day Parade pay their respects at the World War II memorial. (photo/Mendon Police Department)
