~ Submitted by Bedford’s Patriotic Ceremonies Committee
American Legion/V.F.W. Memorial Ceremonies
8:30 AM–Assemble at the American Legion Post. Veterans-Dignitaries and Select Board-R.O.T.C and Firing Squad. Bedford HS Band Members to sound TAPS, and observe Legion Memorials. American Legion/VFW Chaplain Brian Bills will offer prayer, then a memorial wreath ceremony with scouts assisting, followed by Firing Squad Volleys and playing of TAPS.
8:45 AM–Walk to Shawsheen Cemetery. Joe Piantedosi greets everyone. Prayer is offered by Chaplain Brian Bills. Brief statements by American Legion Post Commander Rob Bowes and VFW Commander Rev. Al Chisholm. Don Corey of the Bedford Historical Society will give a brief talk about Shawsheen Cemetery and Bedford’s Civil War soldiers. Firing Squad Volleys are followed by TAPS to close the ceremony. Walk to Shawsheen River. VSO and Navy veteran Bill Linnehan will begin the ceremony to honor Navy Veterans and will offer a prayer. Flowers are tossed into Shawsheen River followed by Volleys and TAPS. Walk back to Legion and drive to Mudge Way.
Bedford Historical Society/Bedford Minuteman Company
10:00 AM Old Burying Ground: Minutemen Company Capt. Jim Ringwood will introduce Lee Yates of the Bedford Historical Society who will talk briefly about the Old Burying Ground. Captain Ringwood will read the Roll Call of all Revolutionary War Veterans buried there. Terrence L. Parker will give a brief history of the ex-slaves buried there. Placing of wreath and Minuteman to play “Amazing Grace.” Musket shots by Minutemen, followed by TAPS by BHS Band members to close the ceremony.
10:30 AM Assemble for PARADE at Mudge Way.
10:45 -10:55 AM Bedford High School: Fallen Veterans Memorial Tribute. Brief remarks followed by placing of roses on memorials by BHS ROTC cadets. Playing TAPS to close the ceremony.
11:00 AM Parade Step off time. (Note: In the event of heavy rains, Parade and outdoor ceremonies will be canceled and the Veterans Memorial Park ceremonies will be held in the Bedford High School Auditorium starting approx. 11 AM).
LINE OF MARCH: Police Escort – Bedford Police & Firefighter Honor Guard – Car for Grand Marshals – Bedford Minutemen- Lt. Col. Richard Baysinger & Family Members- R.O.T.C. Marching Unit -Veterans (Marching) – AL & VFW Auxiliaries – Patriotic Holiday Committee – Dignitaries – State and Local Officials – BHS Marching Band – Non-Walking Veterans and VA Residents (Riding on the VA Trim Tram) – Scouts (Girl Scouts, Brownies, Boy Scouts, and Cub Scouts will join the parade at the WWI Memorial on the Town Common).
March to Bedford Common (WW I Memorial). Paul Purchia will introduce Lee Yates of the Bedford Historical Society who will offer brief remarks about the WW I Memorial. A prayer will be offered, followed by Rifle Volleys, then TAPS. The parade will then continue down Great Road to Veterans Memorial Park. Expected arrival: approx. 11:15 AM.
11:15 AM BEDFORD VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK CEREMONIES
Greetings and opening remarks by Paul Purchia. An invocation will be given by American Legion Chaplain. Bedford High School Band will play “GOD BLESS AMERICA.” Emily Mitchell (Select Board Chair) will speak, followed by Rep. Ken Gordon. Paul Purchia will introduce Lt. Col. Richard Baysinger who will give Keynote Address.
Joe Piantedosi will recognize all veterans in attendance, announce the Roll Call of Bedford Veterans who have passed on during the past year, and will read the names of the thirteen Bedford men K.I.A. in WWII, Viet Nam, and Iraq. AL and VFW Auxiliary Presidents will place a poppy on each plaque memorializing these men. Raising of the Flag by Grand Marshals John Cooper and Peter Orlando with the assistance of JROTC cadets while the Bedford High School Band plays our National Anthem. American Legion/VFW Chaplain Brian Bills will offer Benediction. Volleys will then be fired followed by TAPS. This will conclude today’s ceremonies. (Lunch will be served at the American Legion for all participants following park ceremonies).
Note: In case of heavy rain, outside activities will be canceled. Veterans Memorial Park ceremonies will be moved to the Bedford High School Auditorium starting at 11 AM.
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