Observed on the last Monday in May, Memorial Day honors United States military personnel who perished while serving in the Armed Forces.
Because of inclement weather, the annual parade was canceled and services were held indoors.
At the American Legion Post 122 service, nearly 100 people listened to the Italian American Band’s array of military songs. Commander John Dowd and Thomas Hargreaves led the service with Chaplain Ken Ackroyd leading the prayer. Sara Diaz-Pera, a Tenney Grammar School eighth-grader, read a Memorial Day proclamation from the Statehouse.
The VFW Post 8349 held their service later in the day with Commander Guy Curtis leading the service. Members of the VFW and Ladies Auxiliary read memorials to their fallen comrades, then placed carnations at a memorial.
Methuen High School Associate Principal Matt Curran had the honor of reading essays from two students who each received $1,000 scholarships from the VFW through a donation from City Councilor Ron Marsan.
Both students were previously presented their scholarships at MHS. Sophia Santo-Oliveria will be attending UMass Amherst in 2027 to become a veterinarian. Prior to entering college, Sophia is enlisting in the Army National Guard. Gracye Neel will be attending UMass Amherst to study kinesiology.
Tenney Grammar School eighth-grader Sara Diaz-Pera reads the Memorial Day proclamation from the Statehouse as American Legion Commander John Down and Thomas Hargreaves look on.
VFW Post 8349 members salute the American flag after their service. Shown are (from left) veterans Ed “Hoppy” Curran, Ken Ackroyd, Bonita LaTorre and Commander Guy Curtis. ML photos by Nancy Readon
