KOREAN WAR VETERAN and Melrose resident Joseph Sullivan made a moving speech during Sunday morning’s formal dedication of the city’s Korean War Memorial at the Knoll. (Donna Larsson Photo)
MELROSE — Sunday’s weather was perfect for the city’s Memorial Day observances, which included an important dedication of a new Korean War monument at the Knoll.
Also, two relatives who went off to fight in World War II — Francis and Russell Moulaison — were given honorary high school diplomas by Mayor Robert J. Dolan. The cousins both served in the Navy and never graduated from high school.
They were present at the Korean War monument dedication because Francis’ brother Robert was one of the local men killed in action during the conflict. Robert Moulaison’s name is on the new monument.
Korean War veterans were the focus of this year’s city observances. In fact, they were the grand marshals of the parade
In the days leading up to the 2015 ceremony and parade, Veterans Services Officer Ryan McLane said, “This year’s parade is the culmination of our year-long focus on the Korean War and the Melrosians who served and sacrified during that terrible and often forgotten conflict.”
The afternoon parade down Main Street from City Hall to the Wyoming Cemetery was well attended and many people turned out along the route to show their respect for those who served so we can remain free.
There were floats, antique cars and many youngsters marching. Melrose is a patriotic community proud of its heritage of service to our country, and once again in 2015, that pride shined bright.
