Submitted by Paul Purchia
Bedford’s Patriotic Holiday Committee welcomed hundreds of people who came to Veterans Memorial Park on a brilliant Sunday afternoon to participate in the town’s annual Veterans Day ceremony. They came to honor the 22 million veterans living today and those veterans no longer with us who answered their nation’s call.
Among the attendees were families of military currently stationed in the United States, in Afghanistan and around the world. Some of the special attendees were children of the Massachusetts National Guard’s 223rd Military Intelligence Battalion whose parents are currently deployed to Kosovo as UN peacekeepers.
The Veterans Day program included speakers Cathy Cordes, Chair of the Bedford Selectman, retiring State Senator Susan Fargo, incoming State Representative and Bedford resident Ken Gordon, and American Legion Post 221 Commander Frank Holmes.
In addition to the speakers, participants included the Bedford Police Honor Guard, Bedford High School marching band, BHS ROTC cadets, the Bedford Minutemen, American Legion and VFW Womens Auxiliaries, and the Boy Scouts.
Probably the most touching part of the Veterans Day program every year is the presentation of the Veterans Memorial Wreath. Attendees were invited to remember a special veteran in their life by placing a flag on a Veterans Wreath of Honor and sharing the name and a few words about their special with everyone present.
