Memorial Day – Monday, May 27

On Memorial Day, this Monday, May 27, Upton residents will show their appreciation for those who have sacrificed their lives to preserve Americans’ freedom.  The weather looks like it will clear in time for the ceremonies and if the weathermen get it right it will be a lovely day for a parade.

The day begins with ceremonies throughout the town at grave sites of those who have made the greatest sacrifice for our country. The ceremonies are followed by the annual Upton Memorial Day Parade and Memorial Service. The Mendon Upton Regional School District 6th-8th grade and High School bands will be marching in the parade as well as the girl and boy scouts and other town groups.

Here is a timeline of the days events.

Cemetery Ceremonies

8:00 a.m. Lakeview Cemetery, North Main St. Upton

8:30 a.m. Maplewood Cemetery, Maple Ave. Upton

9:00 a.m. Old Burial Grounds, Grove St., Upton

Parade

9:45 a.m. Parade Assembly West Upton

10:15 a.m. Parade to Upton Center – Town Common

Memorial Day Service

10:45 a.m. Upton Center – Town Common

• Memorial Day Service – Officer of the Ceremony John Robertson
• God Bless America – Chelsea Daniels
• Greeting of the Town – Selectmen
• Musical Selection – Nipmuc Regional HS Band
• In Flander’s Field – Girl Scout Ann Ann Overholt
• A.L. Roll Call of Deceased – World War I Monument – John Robertson
• VFW Roll Call of Deceased – World War II, Korea, Vietnam Monuments – Robert Fleming
• Benediction – Rev. Dr. Jan Gregory-Charpentier
• National Anthem – Nipmuc Regional HS Band

The featured image is that of a poppy flower which is the flower of remembrance, recognized throughout the world. Poppies grew wild over the grave of soldiers buried in Flanders Fields during World War I in Europe. It was later adopted as the flower of remembrance and is worn on Memorial Day.