NORTH READING— Today is Veterans’ Day and for the first time in two years the public is invited to attend in-person services which begin promptly at 11 a.m. Services will be held near the town’s war memorials on the 103rd anniversary of the first Armistice Day held at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.
Veterans’ Director Susan Magner will offer opening remarks followed by the invocation by Rev. Dr. Richard A. Hughes, pastor of the Union Congregational Church.
The North Reading Police Honor Guard will present the colors and those gathered will be led in the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance by members of the North Reading Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, Venture Crew 921 and Girl Scouts. The Patriot Guard Riders will also stand guard.
The North Reading High School Marching Band, under the direction of Drum Major Wes Fisher and Assistant Drum Major Angelina Palazzolo, will play the National Anthem.
The 2021 award-winning essay, “What the Flag Means to Me,” will be recited by Jeff Yull, chairman of the North Reading Republican Town Committee which sponsors the essay scholarship competition each year.
The Governor’s Proclamation will be read by Richard Stratton of VFW Post 10827 followed by the reading of the Town Proclamation by Select Board member Richard Wallner.
“Military Escort” will be performed by the NRHS Marching Band prior to remarks offered by the honored guest speaker, Lt. Col. John Barrette, USAF (Ret).
The NRHS Marching Band will then perform “American March Classics.”
There will be a moment of silence prior the placement of wreaths on the war memorials by local veterans. Buglers Harley Duffley and Shane Hanson will then play “Taps.”
Veterans’ Director Susan Magner will offer the closing remarks followed by a Benediction offered by Rev. Hughes.
The ceremony will conclude with a performance of “God Bless America” by the NRHS Marching Band.
If the weather is inclement, services will be moved indoors to the Batchelder School gymnasium; if this is necessary, masks must be worn inside the school building. Due to COVID-19 concerns, no collation will be held after the ceremony.
