By BOB TUROSZ
NORTH READING – The weather seems to have finally turned a corner and everyone is hoping the current stretch of fine, dry days continues on Monday, May 25 when the annual Memorial Day parade will step off from the town common at 10 a.m.
From the common, the parade will follow its traditional route led by this year’s collection of special parade marshals. In honor of the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II, the town’s World War II veterans have once again been chosen to lead the parade, motoring the route in convertibles. Veterans of other wars will follow on a special parade float.
The route starts on the Bow Street side of the common, runs past the Flint Memorial Library and down Park Street, turns right at the North Reading Shopping Center and continues to Mount Vernon Street and right again onto Haverhill Street where it returns to the common for closing ceremonies.
After the parade route is completed, observances will resume at the bandstand on the common for the traditional speeches, reading of the Roll of Honor and placing of memorial wreaths.
Children should arrive on the common by 9:15 a.m. to take part in the annual decorated bike contest, to be judged at 9:30 a.m. sharp.
The public is invited to attend early morning services conducted by the town’s Minitmen at each of North Reading’s three cemeteries: 7 a.m. at Riverside, 7:45 a.m. at Harmony Vale and 8:30 a.m. at Park Street.
