Submitted by Paul Purchia, Chair of Bedford’s Patriotic Ceremonies Committee
Ceremonies to honor all Veterans will be held at Veterans Memorial Park on Great Road across from Bedford Shopping Center starting at noon on Sunday, November 12.
Several children of soldiers currently deployed with the 223rd Military Intelligence Battalion in Kosovo and their families will join Bedford’s observance. Kelly Durkee-Erwin put the battalion’s Family Readiness Group in touch with Patriotic Ceremonies Committee chair Paul Purchia to arrange their participation in Bedford’s Veterans Day ceremony. The unit chose Bedford because many of the families are attached to the National Guard at Hanscom. They are excited about placing flags in Bedford’s ‘Veterans remembrance wreath,’ and remembering their family members by name.
The Bedford Police Honor Guard will escort Patriotic Holiday committee members and dignitaries along the walkway from the Patriot statue to the monument, accompanied by a parade march played by the Bedford Minutemen.
Paul Purchia, Chair of the Patriotic Holiday Committee will offer opening remarks; the American Legion’s chaplain Gerry Hartmann will offer the opening prayer; and the Pledge of Allegiance will be led by Gen. Oscar DePriest. The Bedford HS Marching Band will lead the community in singing the Star Spangled Banner.
Invited speakers include Catherine Cordes, Chair of Bedford’s Selectmen; State Senator Susan Fargo; newly-elected State Senator Michael Barrett and Representative Kenneth Gordon; American Legion Commander Frank Holmes and Antone Gonsalves, the Senior Vice Commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
During the presentation of Memorial Wreath with Flags, attendees are invited to remember a special veteran by placing a flag on the Veterans Memorial Wreath and sharing the name and military service of the honored veteran with everyone present.
There will be a patriotic Sing Along led by the Bedford High School Marching Band, and the Bedford High School Air Force R.O.T.C. will fire volleys under the direction of Capt. Richard Carson and Chief Master Sergeant Chris Edris.
After TAPS is sounded and a closing prayer is offered by VFW Post 1628 Adjutant James Burton, the participants are invited to the American Legion for lunch.
In case of inclement weather, ceremonies will be moved to Town Hall (Lower Level Multi-Purpose Room). Contact Paul Purchia: 781-789-8974 (cell) or 781-275-2464 (H).
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