Due to inclement weather predicted for tomorrow morning the following changes have been made to Upton’ Memorial Day Events.
All cemetery events and the parade have been called off.
The ceremony which was to take place at the Upton Town Common will be held indoors at the Upton Town Hall at 10:30 a.m. with the following changes.
- Officer of the Ceremony Russell W. Wood
- Fourth Verse of National Anthem
- Joseph McMahon
- Invocation
- Fr. Larry Brault – St. Gabriel the Archangel Parish
- Greeting of the Town
- Jim Brochu – Chairman Upton Board of Selectmen
- Bob Fleming – Selectman
- Gary Daugherty – Selectman
- “In Flanders Field”
- Read by Girl Scout Allie Martin
- A Roll Call of the Deceased – World War One
- Russell W. Wood
- Shawn Craig
- “Remember – Not To Forget”
- Read by Lorrie Loeper and Whitney Loeper
- VFW Roll Call of the Deceased – WWII, Korea, Vietnam Monuments
- Bob Fleming, Steve Wickstrom
- Benediction
- Rev. Dr. Virginia Childs – United Parish of Upton
UPTON DAILY 
To whom it may concern : I am an 80 year old Upton resident , over the past 65+ years. For the first time in my life I am ashamed and disappointed in the policy not to march on Memorial day. I am sure whom ever made this decision did so in good faith. It was in my opinion a dishonor to the men and women who were lucky enough to come home but more so to the ones who did not .They did the duty to keep us free in heat, snow, rain ,an some as captured prisoners . I can truly say as the eldest remaining original Upton Bloomer girls I was always so proud to march along with these Men and women who gave up the lives they had to keep us free. And came back to us — some did not ! I for one would have opened my umbrella and been glad to march for those here and those not . Rain or no Rain An irate citizen of Upton,Ma. . M. C. Bjork
I am sorry this wild rumor took so much wings – A small band of us – stunned by the very idea of cancelling homage to our deceased Veterans – visited each cemetery, General Wickstrum offered outstanding prayers and volleys were fired. Our heroes died in every kind of weather, and I for one will never cease to hold them dear.
Hi Joe, it wasn’t a rumor that the events were cancelled it was announced by the Upton VFW. Glad to hear prayers were offered at the gravesites. https://www.facebook.com/UptonVFW/photos/a.1031865690208999.1073741828.137262866335957/1098435833551984/?type=3&theater
I am still the Commander of the Upton VFW – I never even heard of this till I arrived at the Post and found only one other member there.
Oh, sounds like an internal issue at the VFW…I only posted what was announced – sorry 😦